Why Las Vegas Couples May Wish to Enter Counseling Prior to Filing for Divorce

You said “I do” and “till death do us part” at the altar or the Elvis wedding chapel, but you’re starting to wonder if your marriage is really built to last that long. If you are struggling in your marriage, it is normal to start questioning your situation and maybe start thinking about divorce.

It may be worth exploring marriage counseling before filing divorce papers in Las Vegas. A marriage counselor can offer a new way of communicating with your spouse and potentially saving your marriage. Even if you do decide to move on to divorce, marriage counseling before divorce can prepare you both for a more amicable dissolution process.

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What Is Marriage Counseling?
Is Marriage Counseling Required Before Divorce?
Benefits of Marriage Counseling Before Divorce
Cases Not Suited for Marriage Counseling
Considering Divorce? Contact Mills & Anderson

What Is Marriage Counseling?

Marriage can be challenging, even when you have picked your perfect match. We encounter many stressful life events, like having children, financial issues, long days at work, communication complications, and more. These can all weigh heavy on a marriage, and spouses can often lose track of their love and compassion for one another.

Marriage counseling is where a couple brings in an experienced, neutral third-party to help them focus on and resolve their relationship problems. It is also referred to as couples therapy. Trained counselors work with married couples to help them identify core issues and develop strategies and solutions to resolve them. Counseling gives the couple the tools to understand one another better and resolve conflicts.

Marriage counselors can be therapists, psychologists, or counselors. All have differing credentials and specialties that can benefit couples going through a difficult time.

Is Marriage Counseling Required Before Divorce?

Nevada is a no-fault divorce state. Neither party has to prove that the other was at fault for the breakdown of the marriage to file for divorce. While there are several grounds upon which divorce can be sought, the only allegation you need to make, as a practical matter, is that you are “incompatible” with your spouse. As such, Nevada law does not require a couple undergo marriage counseling before filing for divorce.

In divorce cases where child custody is involved, a court may order a couple to attend mediation with a third party to help resolve issues surrounding the child’s best interests, custody, and visitation. However, the court does not have the authority to require a couple to participate in marriage counseling, even if one party requests it. If you wish to attend counseling, you and your spouse must come to an agreement outside the court process. If your spouse does not want to participate, you cannot force them.

Benefits of Marriage Counseling Before Divorce

Marriage counseling prior to divorce may provide couples with several benefits.

Improved Communication

One of the biggest benefits of marriage counseling is improved communication between the spouses. Many married couples experience a breakdown in communication at some point in their marriage. This often leads to misunderstandings, conflicts, and resentment.

A marriage counselor can help the couple identify where the breakdowns are and teach them how to communicate clearly, express their feelings, and listen to their spouse.

Increased Emotional Connection

Marriage counseling offers a safe and unbiased space for couples to open up, speak from the heart, and be vulnerable. With increased vulnerability comes increased emotional connection to one another. This can build or rebuild trust and foster greater intimacy.

Divorce Prevention or More Amiable Divorce Process

After undergoing marriage counseling, it is less likely that the couple will move on to divorce. Marriage counseling often helps couples resolve deep-seated problems and move on to a healthier relationship.

In some cases, the couple may still want to file for divorce, but through marriage counseling, they have come to understand one another better. This allows the couple to enter the divorce process more open-minded and willing to compromise on issues related to asset division, child custody, and alimony.

Save Money

While marriage counseling has its own cost, it may save you some money in the long run. A contested divorce can be an expensive, time-consuming, and stressful process that involves significant time working with attorneys and going to court. If you and your spouse can resolve your issues in counseling and forgo the need to file for divorce, you will save time and money. Even if you are divorcing, marriage counseling can help both spouses get on the same page regarding the significant issues that will arise in divorce. Resolving hotly contested divorce issues in counseling will save time and money by avoiding the expensive and stressful process of formal litigation.

Cases Not Suited for Marriage Counseling

Marriage counseling can be a highly effective tool for many couples. However, some cases are not well-suited for marriage counseling. Couples therapy may not be safe or appropriate in cases involving recent or historical abuse or domestic violence. It may be best to speak individually with a therapist specializing in trauma and abuse under such circumstances.

Additionally, counseling is a process that requires both parties to be open and communicate with one another. If one partner refuses to participate, counseling will not be an effective channel for resolving issues.

Considering Divorce? Contact Mills & Anderson

While marriage counseling might be an excellent option for some couples, it might not be for every couple. Sometimes, things don’t work out despite your best efforts. If you feel it’s time to move forward with a divorce, Mills & Anderson can help. Our attorneys have decades of experience helping thousands of clients navigate uncontested and contested divorces. We also have experience providing divorce mediation services. We understand that this is an emotional and challenging time, and we aim to reduce your stress during the process while fighting to protect your rights. As a small firm, we provide each client with individualized attention and quick responses. We will listen closely to your goals and create innovative legal strategies to achieve them. Contact Mills & Anderson today to learn how we can help you navigate your divorce.

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About the Author

Byron L. Mills is a partner and managing member of Mills & Anderson, a well-respected family law firm in Nevada. He has become well known in Clark County as a litigator in the local family courts.

A fifth generation native of Nevada, Byron Mills started working at his father’s law firm in 1987 as a runner before becoming a law clerk. Upon graduating law school in 1998, he joined the firm as an associate, then known as Lamond R. Mills & Associates, L.L.C.