The Phenomenon of the “Contagious” Divorce

Divorce is on the rise and has been for decades. Recent studies show that friend's and family's divorces can have a negative impact on your own marriage. Does all this mean that you and your spouse are destined for Virginia divorce court, by virtue of being friends with others who are going through an end to their marriage?

Not necessarily. There are steps you can take to help prevent divorce and to keep your marriage strong and vital.

One of these strategies is to maintain individuality in your marriage. If you and your spouse become just another couple in your circle of friends, you will probably be more likely to follow suit when other couples begin to contemplate a divorce in Virginia.

While it's fine to enjoy the company of other couples and to take part in the same activities, try not to develop a "sheep" mentality in which you forget your own passions and values in order to fit in

Listed below are tips on how you and your spouse can work to maintain your unique relationship: 

• Take time occasionally to reminisce about your shared history and experiences. This will help keep you grounded.  
• Take part in meaningful events together. Create or revive family traditions and rituals. They help define you as a family unit. 
• Recognize and celebrate your strengths and talents as individuals, not just as a couple.  
• When problems arise, don't put up a façade. Be willing to talk things over and seek professional help if necessary. 

To find out more about how the divorces in your social circle can affect your marriage, please visit our article library.

While a marriage is often worth fighting for, sometimes, divorce is inevitable. If you find yourself in this situation, you'll need an experienced Virginia divorce attorney.

Throughout your divorce proceedings, you'll naturally have a lot of questions specific to your circumstances. Get your questions answered by requesting a FREE copy of our guide, What Every Virginia Woman Should Know About Divorce, or reserving your seat at our monthly divorce seminar - 757-425-5200.

The Virginia divorce attorneys at Hofheimer/Ferrebee are committed to fighting for your rights, assisting in child custody disputes, and ensuring that you receive everything you are entitled to and need in order to start your new life.