Whether you wanted to go through a divorce or not, you may feel guilty because the marriage you imagined did not go as planned. Divorces tend to bring on many negative emotions, so both you and your spouse may be feeling bad about what’s happening.
Even though you know that a divorce is the right option for you, guilt could impact the way you handle it. That’s why it’s important to try to separate your feelings from the transactions involved in separating your property or lives.
Feeling guilt is normal as you move on from your marriage
When divorcing, it is normal to feel guilt over the end of your relationship. You may feel upset about ending your marriage or guilty that you weren’t able to hold it together for your children or spouse’s benefit.
It is normal to feel this way, but don’t let guilt influence how you separate your property or move on from this relationship. For example, you shouldn’t say that your spouse can have anything they want from your marriage just because you’re guilty about ending your relationship. Instead, you need to separate your emotions about your marriage from the legal process of dividing your assets. By law, you are able to seek half of your marital property since Texas is a community property state. There is no reason to relinquish your fair share just because of guilt.
How do you move past guilt to approach your divorce fairly?
It may not be easy to move past feelings of guilt, but remember that it does take two to end a marriage. Both of you may have played a role in the end of your marriage, so even if you were the one who pulled the trigger, both of you have at least some responsibility.
Approach your separation realistically. Look at what you need to be able to support yourself and move forward with good financial security. Ask for your share of assets, because you and your spouse worked to build those assets together. Even if you feel bad about the end of your relationship, you still deserve a share of the property and financial support you’ve built over time.
