Should You Get a Divorce Or Not? Virginia Divorce Attorneys Introduce “Zero-Based Thinking”

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Is it time to call a Virginia divorce lawyer or not?

Perhaps your spouse stormed off from the dinner table the other night and has been staying in a hotel since then. Or maybe you’re contemplating ending the relationship after discovering evidence of an affair or because of persistent marital issues. But you’re torn about what to do next.

On one hand, part of you may want to save the marriage or work to repair it. On the other hand, you may feel ready to move forward with a divorce. How can you make this difficult decision?

Introducing “Zero-Based Thinking”

One useful tool for making decisions like this is a concept called “zero-based thinking.” Best-selling author Brian Tracy popularized this concept, but it’s commonly used by psychologists, consultants, and business leaders. The basic idea is to reevaluate your decisions with the benefit of hindsight. As described by TechTime.com:

“Zero-based thinking (ZBT) is a decision-making process based on imagining yourself back at the point before particular decisions were made, and free to make those decisions with the knowledge that you have now about their outcome. Such decisions could be buying financial securities, hiring certain types of employees or following particular career paths, among a wide variety of other possibilities. The purpose is to avoid repeating past mistakes and to encourage actions that have worked out favorably.”

Applying Zero-Based Thinking to Your Marriage

Now imagine if you had never married your spouse or built a life together. With what you know now, would you “do it all again”? Or would you choose a different path?

This thought experiment can help clarify your objectives:

  • If your immediate answer is “no,” then moving toward a divorce might seem like the logical next step.
  • If your answer is “yes” or “maybe,” you might consider different strategies to repair your relationship or hold off on a divorce.

Next Steps for Decision-Making

Whether you feel a clear inclination or are still on the fence, you may benefit from speaking with an experienced professional. Consulting a divorce attorney can help you evaluate your options from a legal and practical standpoint, giving you more clarity about the potential consequences of either path.

For more guidance, contact our Fairfax Virginia divorce lawyers. Call DiPietro Law Group, PLLC at (888) 530-4374 for the strategic advice you need to make informed decisions and prepare for your future.