It's not always easy to tell when a marriage is headed for trouble. One spouse is often unhappy in the relationship, while the other is oblivious. Sometimes a marriage on the rocks can be turned around by catching the signals early enough, but often the signs of separation don't become clear until you're already past the proverbial "point of no return." With that said, let's look at some key indicators that you may be headed for a divorce regardless of what you might do to prevent it.

Zero Interest in Intimacy

If your spouse doesn't seem interested in being intimate with you anymore, that's a major warning sign. In some cases, this could simply be due to illness or stress—after all, many people have a reduced libido when they're not feeling well. However, if there's an extended period where your partner is no longer initiating intimacy and seems disinterested in any overtures you make, this could be a sign they are no longer interested in being married.

Constant Conflict in the Marriage

Disagreements are normal in any marriage, but there's a difference between having an occasional argument and constantly fighting. When you're constantly arguing about things like money, parenting, or day-to-day issues, it's a signal that the real issues may run deeper. There may be growing resentment or overall unhappiness in the relationship fueling the disagreements. If this is the case, one or the other partner may become completely uninterested in resolving conflicts because, in their heart, they have already given up on the marriage.

Extended Breakdown in Communication

If you notice that your spouse has stopped reciprocating what you share with them or otherwise seem disinterested in discussing your relationship, this can be a sign of trouble. This goes beyond specific arguments to a deeper breach in your connection. If your spouse no longer shows initiative in meaningful communication, it may also mean they have lost interest in working on the relationship in general.

Your Spouse Becomes Secretive

If you find your spouse becoming increasingly secretive about their phone, social media, bank accounts, emails—anything that may be considered private communication—that may be a major red flag. At worst, it may mean they've initiated an affair or are already in the process of preparing for a divorce. At best, even if they claim to have nothing to hide, this lack of transparency can indicate an unwillingness to share what is going on in their life with you anymore.

Of course, many marriages can be repaired if both parties are willing to work on it. But these warning signs typically point to the fact that at least one of the partners is no longer willing, and in many cases, that makes divorce inevitable. If you're seeing any of these signs in your marriage, it may be time to face the reality that your relationship is in trouble, and you may need to start planning for a future where you are no longer married.

If you need legal assistance navigating a divorce, the team at Jerkins Family Law can represent your interests, so you can successfully start a new chapter in life. Call us today at (919) 719-2785 or contact us online.