Introduction
Among family problems, couples want to avoid divorce the most. However, sometimes, divorce is the solution to many issues. Of course, it can cause even more challenges, but these hardships will be of a different type. Although separation may lead to stress and depression, often, it is a rescue for people, giving them a chance to start a new life (Collins, Jordan, & Coleman, 2013). It is more favorable when a divorce becomes just an official confirmation of a fait accompli and does not cause severe psychological and emotional trauma to spouses. It is believed that the sooner the couple divorces, the more comfortable they go through the associated difficulties (Collins et al., 2013).
In cases when a husband and wife have lived together for many years, their separation is challenging and burdened by many factors. Under certain circumstances, even family therapists and social workers might recommend couples to divorce.
Situation 1
When it is entirely impossible to restore the relationship between each other, the couple should not delay the divorce. It is useful to visit a therapist or a social worker who will help understand the reasons and causes of a broken bond. However, when both people hate each other, they need to live separately. Sometimes spouses postpone the divorce for the time when their children grow up, but when the atmosphere is negative at home, the alleged sacrifice will not benefit anybody but harm the children.
Situation 2
When one of the spouses is addicted to alcohol or drugs, the other spouse gets into a difficult situation. If all the attempts made to help the spouse return to a healthy lifestyle were unsuccessful, then the divorce can be a rescue. The mother or father who suffers because of their partner’s addiction but continues to live together for the sake of children might be making a mistake.
Situation 3
If one of the spouses suppresses the will of the other, for instance, by preventing them from pursuing their career or communicating with friends and family, then such relationships need to be transformed. In the most neglected cases, the spouse who is constantly humiliated and deprived of his or her will falls into domestic slavery, getting out of which becomes more difficult year by year. The suppressed spouse should not wait for the children to grow up or other circumstances, because life tends to pass by, and all the sacrifices would be in vain.
Situation 4
Domestic violence should not be easily tolerated but should be dealt with immediately. If such cases of abuse are constant, then the spouse should consider a divorce. In some countries, domestic violence is an act of crime and is prosecuted by law (Choudhry & Herring, 2017). Therefore, no one should let themselves get into captivation, but instead should try to speak to others and communicate their problems.
Conclusion
As the family goes through various stages of development, different obstacles might pose a hindrance to harmony and mutual understanding between the members. In such circumstances, it is usually recommended to meet with a family social worker so that they could analyze and give appropriate recommendations. However, there are also situations when divorce is inevitable and also is a viable choice. Under certain conditions and circumstances, both the couple and the family social worker should consider the option of divorce when thinking of potential solutions to problems.
References
Collins, D., Jordan, C., & Coleman, H. (2013). An introduction to family social work (4th Ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Choudhry, S., & Herring, J. (2017). Righting domestic violence. In Marital rights (pp. 71-96). London, UK: Routledge.