Can I Reconcile with My Spouse After a Divorce Has Been Filed?
Yes. Spouses may
reconcile their marriage after a divorce has been filed, but the filing of a
divorce will come with consequences. Filing for divorce causes pain and a
breakdown of trust within a marital relationship and will also cost legal fees.
Reconciliation
involves a married couple setting aside their legal separation in order to
resume their marital relationship and cohabitation.
Working on the Marriage
Challenges and
stress in a marriage may sometimes cause spouses to consider separation or
divorce, but divorce should only be your last option after you have exhausted
all other alternatives to make the relationship work. Marriage is a lifelong
commitment and both spouses will need to put forth an effort to work on the
marriage in order to maintain a healthy relationship. If you are struggling in
your relationship with your spouse, consider working to improve your marriage
by making small changes to strengthen the relationship.
As with any
relationship between individuals, a marriage will require constant effort and
maintenance by both parties. Because people change and grow over time, it may
be beneficial to seek individual or marital counseling. The neutral perspective
of a therapist can counsel you through methods to improve your relationship(s).
Legal Separation
Separate Maintenance
Although Georgia does
not have a law for legal separation, Georgia law does allow for a separate
maintenance agreement. Separate maintenance occurs where spouses wish to remain
legally married but also wish to live separate and apart. A separate
maintenance action may be filed by either spouse and resolves the same issues which
would be settled in a divorce.
Informal Separation
While Georgia does
not have a specific law for legal separation, this does not prevent a married
couple from separating informally. An informal separation may allow the spouses
space to determine whether divorce, reconciliation, or a separate maintenance
action is best for their relationship.
Written by: Rebekah
Ann James