When people decide to divorce, they often don’t want to face judgment from others. No one wants people to tell them that they are at fault for a divorce. In many cases, people quickly assume that the person who filed for divorce is the party to blame for the decline of a marital relationship.
Fear of assuming blame can result in individuals staying in unhealthy relationships. There are several notable risks that come from waiting for a spouse to file instead of taking the initiative.
What happens when people refuse to initiate a divorce filing?
Loss of access to key records
Certain documentation, including financial records. That process can be much more difficult to manage after a spouse has filed and may have already begun strategizing for the divorce. People may have to wait weeks or longer to obtain documents through formal discovery procedures. Those who take the initiative to file usually begin preparing in advance, which often means gathering documentation to support their financial position when they divorce.
Loss of timing control
The divorce process can take months or even longer than a year to complete. People who choose to avoid filing are at the mercy of their spouses regarding timing. Some people may intentionally file on important dates and anniversaries. Others may time their filing to be as disruptive and challenging for a person as possible. Choosing to file means taking control over when the divorce begins.
Those who decide to take action instead of waiting indefinitely may ultimately set themselves up for better divorce outcomes. Reviewing divorce concerns and priorities with a skilled legal team prior to filing can help people prepare themselves and minimize their risks.