Robert Knight | February 17, 2025 | Divorce
After a divorce, some couples feel like they might have made a mistake. Maybe you worked on yourself and have experienced growth since your divorce. Is there a chance you regret your part in the undoing of the relationship? Perhaps you think that, after some time apart, your former spouse doesn’t seem so bad after all.
The good news is that there are no laws to stop you from getting back together with your ex-spouse after divorce. You can even remarry them if you wish. While no laws prevent remarriage, there are legal consequences you should seriously consider. An experienced family law attorney has the skills necessary to evaluate the effects of remarriage on your divorce settlement.
Non-Legal Considerations for Getting Back Together with Your Ex-Spouse
Not all ramifications of getting back together with a former spouse are legal ones. Before getting back together, you should think about how the reunion affects your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It’s advisable to recall why you got divorced in the first place. Ask yourself if things have really changed so much that history will not merely repeat itself.
Remember Your Reasons for Getting Divorced
The reasons people divorce are varied. If you’re thinking of reconciling, you want to make sure you are not doomed to repeat the past. Here are some examples to consider:
- Infidelity: For example, were you or your spouse unfaithful? If your spouse was unfaithful, consider whether you can truly trust them. Or will you always have a nagging sense that they might be betraying you again? If you can’t trust your ex-spouse, it will be very difficult to experience true reconciliation.
- Conflict: Did the relationship break down because of arguing and bickering? If so, consider whether the underlying problems about which you disagreed have been resolved. Perhaps you have both done work to develop your communication skills and are more adept at resolving conflict. If so, that is a factor to weigh in whether you can have a successful relationship again with the person you left.
- If You Didn’t Want the Divorce: If you didn’t file for divorce, and your ex-spouse did ask yourself if reconciliation is something they want. Are you putting pressure on them in a way that will disrupt their well-being? Remember that post-divorce time is a vulnerable time. Your ex-spouse is learning how to adjust to a new life without you.
Trust, communication, and mutual willingness are essential for rebuilding a healthy relationship. If the same unresolved issues remain, the cycle may simply repeat itself.
Consider Why You Want to Get Back Together with Your Ex
It is important to turn inward and evaluate what is driving your desire to return to your former spouse. For example, is it loneliness? Finances? Is it easier to deal with household chores, children, and life’s logistics? Here are some factors to consider:
- Loneliness: When we separate from a partner, it is natural to feel lonely. Even in the worst times, you might have, on occasion, enjoyed your ex-spouse’s companionship. But filling your loneliness now could be shortsighted. Once the immediate void is satisfied, you might be reminded just exactly why things didn’t work out the first time. This can open old wounds and prolong healing after a split-up.
- Financial Burdens and Life’s Logistics: It is understandable that things might have been easier financially or logistically when you were married. Perhaps you split the cost of housing and utilities before. Now, you are each living life at full price. In the marriage, did you help each other by taking turns cooking, cleaning, and looking after children? Are you now experiencing the full burden of these tasks in a way that makes life harder? Economic reasons to get back together are compelling, but you might be better off looking for a roommate.
Whatever your reasons for wanting to reconnect with a former spouse, it is important to seriously consider them.
Legal Ramifications of Getting Back with Your Ex-Spouse
The decision to reconcile or remarry an ex-spouse has serious legal implications that you should discuss with a divorce attorney. Reconciliation or remarriage might:
- Void provisions in your divorce settlement
- Cause a child support order to be modified
- Change how the value of marital assets is calculated
- Alter custody arrangements
- Change entitlements to property
As you recall, going through your divorce was likely a challenging and emotional experience. Before you decide to resume your relationship, it’s advisable to have an experienced family law attorney listen to your goals and concerns and help you achieve the future you desire for yourself.
Contact our North Louisiana Litigation Lawyers at Knight Law Firm for Help Today
For more information, contact our experienced family law attorneys at Knight Law Firm to schedule a consultation.
We proudly serve Shreveport, Monroe, Ruston, and the surrounding areas of North Louisiana.
Knight Law Firm – Shreveport Office
401 Market Street Suite 1006
Shreveport LA 71101
