Getting What Is Rightfully Yours

Divorcing Someone After A Traumatic Brain Injury — A Difficult Position To Be In

12 September 2018

Estelle Mathieu

When people think of the reasons that couples commonly divorce, they often imagine scenarios in which one partner's behavior is clearly to blame. Adultery, substance abuse, and domestic abuse are all common divorce reasons that affect a lot of couples. One scenario that people don't talk about as frequently — perhaps because it's potentially even more uncomfortable than the above reasons — is when one spouse suffers a traumatic brain injury. Although some couples stay together after this devastating situation, others opt to divorce. Here are some things to know about divorcing your spouse after he or she has suffered this type of injury.

His/Her Personality May Have Changed

The idea of remaining with your spouse even after his or her traumatic brain injury might be heartwarming, but it's not necessarily practical. One of the many changes that a brain injury patient can experience is a dramatic change in his or her personality. Personality is a key factor in a couple getting along, and these changes can be too much to overlook. For example, you might have always been attracted to your spouse's calm and even-keel demeanor, but he or she is now irrational and quick to anger.

You Can Try To Make It Work

You don't necessarily have to divorce your spouse hastily as soon as you experience issues as a couple in the wake of the traumatic brain injury. Talk to your spouse's doctors about his or her prognosis. Often, patients of this type of injury can make some progress through a combination of medication and mental training exercises, and the physicians may be able to give you an expected time frame for positive changes. You may also want to give therapy a chance, as it can help you to both understand each other better at this difficult time.

You Will Face Judgement

It's impossible to deny that people in your social circle will judge you when you declare that you're divorcing your spouse in the wake of his or her traumatic brain injury. This is less than ideal, but you need to focus on what is best for you — and divorce in this situation may indeed be your best option. Try to ignore the voices of those who are judging you. Remember, they haven't walked in your shoes and thus aren't equipped to know how your life has been since your spouse's injury. Upon choosing to move forward with a divorce, hire a divorce attorney.

Visit a website like http://www.cappolellalaw.com to learn more.

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