Exactly What You Should Know Prior to Remarrying Your Ex

Let's face it; marriage is not an easy road to navigate. Two intelligent people come together because they are attracted to one another and respect each other's needs and wants. But all too often, marriages get stale, or finances get in the way of getting along, or people just change and decide that they want something more out of life than a job, a house in the burbs, and watching TV every night. Under each of these circumstances, divorce is a definite possibility, even if there are children involved. 

The professionals at the Laura Gillis Law Office, a Phoenix, Arizona-based divorce lawyer, say if you wish to file for divorce from your spouse, it's of paramount importance that you have a keen understanding of the available options, that you are fully aware of your rights, and that you seek out legal advice on the best steps to take prior to beginning the divorce proceedings. This will make it easier when the time comes to divide your assets and, if kids are involved, how to handle the sensitive custody question.   

But what if you've divorced and a few years down the line realize it was a mistake? What if your ex agrees, and together you both begin to explore the idea of getting married again? Is this an even bigger mistake? 

According to a recent report by VeryWellMind, the idea of getting married again to your ex-spouse might sound a bit crazy. There's a reason or reasons you got a divorce in the first place, and it's just assumed that you've both moved on with your lives. However, remarriage occurs more often than you might assume. One study showed that up to 15 percent of divorce couples end up reconciling.  

When it comes to remarriage, couples have realized that they were unhappier apart from their spouse than they were when they were together. Or perhaps time has healed some old wounds. No matter the reasons, remarriage happens. If you are seriously considering remarrying your ex-spouse, you need to consider some important steps to make certain the marriage will succeed on your second go-round.  

Here's Why Divorced Couples Remarry

Naturally, the specific reasons couples remarry will differ from couple to couple. Many people come to realize that after the frustration and anger go away, you end up missing your former spouse. This is especially true if you were married for a relatively long time. 

In the back of your mind, you might wonder if you should have acted differently or if the original marriage could have been salvaged. Perhaps you firmly believe the divorce was a mistake to begin with. 

Studies suggest that couples who remarry after divorcing discovered a variety of reasons for reconciliation. An ex-wife or ex-husband might: 

–Forgive and forget the bad things you did wrong.

–Experience some sort of personal growth that causes you to revisit the relationship.

–Maintain a good and positive relationship with your ex's extended family.

–Miss the familiarity of your ex.

–You hate being single. 

–You still love your ex and find it impossible to move on. 

Prior to Remarrying Your Ex

It's important to keep in mind that prior to remarrying your ex, you both must be prepared for the hard work that will be involved. The hard truth of the matter is that the odds are stacked against you. 

In fact, second marriages will likely fail at a higher rate than first marriages. According to a study conducted by Psychology Today, 60 percent of remarriages will end up failing and do so relatively quickly. That is, within a period of 5 to 10 years. 

If you and your ex are solidly committed to the notion of remarrying, you must keep these three things top of mind: 

–Know that the odds are stacked against you. 

–Take things slowly. Maybe live together for a while before going down the legal matrimonial path. 

–Make it a priority to seek out a marriage counselor who can educate you on the facts behind remarriage and what you both can do to make it work. 

Legal Considerations for Remarrying Your Ex-Spouse

Legalities for remarriage differ from state to state. In certain states, you are permitted to remarry your former partner at any time you'd like. But other states require a mandatory waiting period for remarriage. Knowing this pertinent information well in advance will indicate how long you must wait prior to legally getting married again becomes an option. 

Since state laws change from time to time, it's best simply Google the laws for remarriage in your particular state. 

Getting remarried can be a wonderful experience. Or it can be a recipe for disaster. While the statistics prove the latter, you both can make a second marriage work if you are willing to work hard at it and if you both are capable of walking away from the past without looking back. After all, old wounds are capable of healing, but they can also be reopened.