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Childhood trauma and the breakdown of a marriage

On Behalf of | Oct 28, 2020 | Divorce

Whether you had a difficult childhood or you are in the middle of splitting up with your spouse and they experienced trauma during their younger years, it is important to understand the different ways in which these experiences, memories and emotions can cause a marriage to fall apart. Moreover, childhood trauma can also have an impact on the way a divorce plays out. 

It is crucial to do everything in your power to secure a favorable outcome in divorce court, not only in terms of custody and your finances but your emotional well-being also. Understanding the effects of mental trauma can increase the likelihood of a successful divorce that benefits both parties. 

How does childhood trauma impact some marriages? 

Sometimes, people who had a tough relationship with one of their parents carry these emotions over into their marriage. For example, if your ex has mental trauma due to their father or mother, it is helpful to understand if these memories caused friction, distrust and misunderstanding in your marital relationship. Some couples who recognize these hurdles can save their marriage through counseling. However, divorce is unavoidable in some instances. In 2018, more than 782,000 couples filed for divorce in the U.S. 

How can trauma affect the divorce process? 

If you have mental hurdles due to childhood trauma, such as depression or an anxiety disorder, it is pivotal to do your best to address these feelings and ensure that they do not interfere with your divorce. Trauma can result in various behaviors that jeopardize one’s financial health or their ability to secure custody or visitation rights. Regrettably, some people fail to stand up for their rights or handle legal issues related to the end of their marriage properly because of mental hardships.