When a marriage begins to break down, couples sometimes head to counseling. They know that something is wrong, they’re unable to fix it on their own, and they feel like they’ll have a better chance of reaching some sort of solution if they work with a professional.
This can work in a lot of cases. Many times, counselors just sort of guide the conversation and help couples learn how to talk with each other about their problems and issues. They may offer solutions or give insight that these people wouldn’t have gotten to on their own.
That said, experts do note that both partners generally need to be committed to the process and willing to go through counseling for it to work. If you and your partner are not on the same page, odds are that even counseling is not going to save the marriage.
Where does your spouse stand?
If you’re considering counseling, that means that the biggest question may just be where your spouse stands on the issue and what they’re willing to do. If they also want to fix the marriage, then the two of you can work together and you may be able to find a solution with the help of the counselor. If your spouse simply wants to file for divorce and end the marriage, however, you may not be able to get them to go to counseling at all. Even if they do, they may not be willing to put in the work that is needed to keep that divorce from happening.
If you do find yourself in this situation, it’s important to take the time to really consider all of your legal options. No matter what your desired outcome is, your spouse may still move forward with the divorce, and you need to know what steps to take to protect your future.