What Percentage Of Separated Couples in Alberta Get Back Together?

Separation in Alberta, The Breakup Of The Relationship

Separation in Alberta, sometimes referred to legally as “dissolution of marriage,” is not the same thing as divorce. It is the time in a marriage when spouses make the decision to live apart and end their marriage. This is a crucial point, but do not get it confused: separation does not end a marriage; it only separates the spouses.

It’s not easy to accept that your marriage is not what you thought it would be, but taking time apart from each other can help you gain a different perspective. By spending some time away from your spouse, you give yourselves a chance to work through any negative emotions you may have without the distraction of being around each other.

While some couples will separate only for a specific period of time, also known as a trial separation, with the intention of reflecting on the relationship and possibly getting back together afterwards, other couples separate knowing that no reconciliation is possible and their next steps will be divorce.

The Negative Effects Of Separation

The major disadvantage of separation is the adverse psychological effects it has on children. Even though there are key advantages, especially when the separation is a result of emotional or physical abuse, your family and your children may ultimately be affected in the following ways:

• Separation and divorce lead to psychological disorders (depression and anxiety);
• Feelings of sadness, loss and anger;
• Under-achievement at school and in employment;
• Social problems, including delinquent and deviant behaviour;
• Higher incidence of drug and alcohol abuse; and
• Poor parent-child relationships.

Anyone who is thinking about separating from their spouse needs to take a long hard look at the potential ramifications of separation. If you are considering separation in Alberta, there are some negative aspects of the process that you should be aware of before you make your decision. The first is the possibility that your spouse will make good on their threat to leave you, which can lead to heartache, loneliness, and devastation.

Another major drawback to separation is the risk that you will be treated poorly after your separation, whether this comes in the form of verbal or physical abuse or something else. The reason for this is that when someone decides to end their marriage they are likely to become extremely upset — so upset in fact that many times they lash out in any way possible.

This all leads to one major question, after everything a separation will put you, your spouse and the rest of your family through – what are the chances you will be able to fix your marriage and get back together?

What Percentage Of Separated Couples Get Back Together?

So, what is the rate at which separated couples get back together? And what’s the actual number of couples who reconcile after a period of separation? We know that 30-50% of marriages in North America will experience separation at some point over the first 5 years. This means that up to 50% of all married couples will spend time being single again.

During this time, separated couples have the opportunity to reevaluate their relationship and choose whether or not to remain separated, or to work through their issues so they can live together as a full-time couple again.

Simply put, the statistics of getting back together after separation are very low. According to studies, there are certainly some couples who were able to get back together despite separating. However, this percentage lies at about 13%. While this is a small number, it’s nonetheless hopeful that some couples are able to reconcile after a separation.

What Is Considered A Common-Law Relationship In Alberta?

To determine if a couple is a common law (or, as it is not referred to, in an Adult Interdependent Partnership, the court must consider these 2 factors:

1. The two partners have lived together for a period of 3 or more years; and
2. The two partners have lived together with some degree of permanence, and have a child together.

Takeaway: How To Deal With Your Separation

Talking about a divorce can be stressful, even if it’s an amicable one. It affects your relationship with your partner and with your children, along with your status in the community, your income and your security. Here is a list of steps to take when ending a relationship:

• Be polite and courteous to your partner;
• Don’t make any significant changes to your property;
• Seek divorce financial advice;
• Discuss options to keep your divorce amicable;
• Choose your divorce mediator and/or family lawyers;
• Consider seeing a counsellor;
• Don’t jump into a new relationship.

Separations are very emotionally taxing at best. To go through the process of dividing assets, monetary responsibility for children, family pets and any other financial commitments are challenging. Before you start searching “how to file for separation in Alberta?”, make sure you know what you’re up against and be as prepared as possible before you take any big steps. In addition, being polite and remaining courteous to your partner during separation will increase the chances of reconciliation, especially if that is something you are hoping to accomplish.