As of 2016 marriage and divorce rates were on the decline in the United States. While people are waiting longer to get married, researchers still estimate that around 41% of all first marriages will end in divorce. Here are some signs you can look for if you think you have an impending divorce in Las Vegas on your hands.

No one embarks on their marriage journey with the intent to break up, but divorce doesn’t just happen. Usually, signs present themselves throughout the decline of the marriage. It’s important to be aware of any potential issues that may arise in a marriage to keep issues from becoming bigger problems later. Below are common indicators of an impending divorce, and possible ways to get through the issue, or prepare for the possible termination of the union.

1. Communication Issues

The way a person speaks to others says a lot about the individual, just as how two people interact says a lot about the dynamic of the relationship. When a couple communicates to each other with genuine disrespect, it is likely the relationship is spiraling in a downward pattern. 

Respect is an important element in any relationship, especially in marriage. If you feel as though you and your spouse speak to each other with contempt, seeking counseling to pinpoint and overcome the issues is an important step in rectifying the situation. If counseling is off the table or leads to continued resentment and anger, divorce may be on the horizon.

On this same token, a lack of any communication is also a sign of impending divorce. When a couple pulls away from each other and retreats into their own world, a barrier is created that can be hard to break as time goes by. It is important to keep a line of communication open in a marriage. Telling your partner about your day, how you’re feeling, sharing interests and ideas are what keeps couples bound together. It’s most definitely not a good sign if you and your spouse find that talking to one another and keeping up with each other’s lives is no longer a priority. To avoid an impending divorce in Las Vegas, setting time aside for you and your partner, away from distractions of work, children or other family obligations is essential to keep the marriage intact. 

To avoid an impending divorce in Las Vegas, setting time aside for you and your partner, away from distractions of work, children or other family obligations is essential to keep the marriage intact. 

2. Lack of Intimacy 

An important distinction between marriage and other relationships is intimacy. Physical intimacy is important in a marriage. It is a basic human need but goes much deeper than that. Physical intimacy creates a feeling of being wanted and desired. Maintaining that attraction and spark which initially drew us to our spouse at one point, can get tough as the years accumulate. We get older, tired, and can neglect aspects about ourselves and our relationship we once prioritized. 

In many cases, a lack of physical intimacy, especially if little emotional intimacy plays a role in the relationship, leads to affairs which oftentimes results in a divorce. In fact, extra-marital affairs are the leading cause of divorce in the United States.

Before any physical or emotional affairs occur, one or both people in the marriage may have thoughts of a life without their spouse. Fantasies about a new life alone, or with another person, can lead to actions that result in the breakup of the union. While some couples experience these feelings temporarily, it is still an unhealthy pattern for a committed person to find themselves. Therapy or counseling can help these issues, but it has to be something both parties are committed to improving if divorce is to be avoided.

3. Financial Woes

Financial issues are a major contributor to stress and resentment in a marriage. Studies have shown that couples who fight about money once a week are 30 times more likely to divorce. While “money makes the world go ‘round,” it is often a topic couples tend to ignore discussing until there is a problem. 

Money matters including racking up debt, impulse purchases, and even financial infidelity like secret bank accounts and credit cards are never pleasantries a person wants to talk about. However, with divorce statistics being what they are, and money and security going hand in hand, having multiple discussions about possible concerns are worth the time. Lack of communication about how money is spent or future financial goals can cause a strain on the relationship that leads to an impending divorce. 

If a divorce ultimately occurs, finances are a crucial area where counsel and even mediation should be used. Using a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) to help you navigate the processes involved can prove to be a wise choice. No one should be left wondering about how they will handle all the financial changes they will go through during and after the divorce process. A CDFA can give you peace of mind and guidance that will make transitioning to this new stage in life a lot smoother. If you’re thinking of or are going through an impending divorce in Las Vegas and are having difficulties navigating the financial ins and outs, be sure to reach out to a local CDFA to be sure you have a greater grasp of the matter and ability to get through the divorce with more confidence.