The Stigma of Divorce

Some people believe that divorce carries a social stigma that can brand a person for life. Those who are considering or anticipating divorce are sometimes terrified at the prospect of having to break the news to family and friends out of embarrassment or shame. If you are worried about how your divorce will affect your personal relationships, you are not alone.

Fortunately, the stigma of divorce is not nearly as strong as it was 50 years ago. Many people remained in unhappy and physically or emotionally abusive relationships out of fear of becoming an outcast if they sought divorce. Today we have much more freedom to choose what is best for us without worrying what other people will think. However, there are still those who may try to make you feel bad about your divorce or guilt you into staying in an unhappy marriage. But remember-divorce can only be a stigma if you allow it to be.

Couples today may get a divorce for a number of different reasons that may be based on legitimate problems or concerns. A person may seek divorce because her or his spouse cheated. Perhaps you have very different views on how to manage money or how to raise your children. Maybe one of you values education much more than the other. Or maybe you got married at a young age and each of you has changed in ways that now make you incompatible. All of these are valid reasons for considering divorce, and ultimately it is a decision that only you can make.

While it may be intimidating at first to face family and friends after a divorce, you will likely find that most of them are less judgmental than they are supportive. Much of the stigma that you fear may be only in your head, and it should not be the deciding factor for what is best for your life.

Contact Us

For information on the Texas divorce process, please contact the experienced Austin divorce lawyers of Slater, Kennon & Pugh Ltd.LLP today at 512-472-2431.