Understanding ‘Walkaway Wife’ Syndrome on Long Island, NY

Suddenly, and seemingly out of nowhere, one spouse decides to leave the other. It may seem like a shock to the other spouse and to the family, but that leaving spouse decides it’s time for the marriage to end, and as a result, they leave abruptly. Although it could be the husband or the wife leaving, this phenomenon is often called “walkway wife” syndrome.

It’s a term used to describe the situation in which one spouse feels neglected, perhaps alone, and often resentful at what is occurring in their life. Their marriage is deteriorating, and instead of trying to improve it, they decide to leave. Understanding what walkway wife syndrome is and how it can impact your divorce in Long Island, NY, is critical.

What Is Walkaway Wife Syndrome?

While it often seems sudden for the family left behind, for many of the people who walk away, walkaway wife syndrome doesn’t happen in just a day. It happens over a period of time, where the person simply cannot deal with the unresolved conflict or other stressor they’ve had to deal with for a long time. In some situations, it can occur quickly, such as when a person learns about infidelity, but often this is just a “last straw”.

Other times, it can develop over years before coming to a head in the filing for a divorce. At some point, for some reason, one party recognizes that there’s no hope of repairing their marriage and just leaves. Even though other people around this spouse may feel like it came out of nowhere, it’s rarely that simple.

There are often many signs leading up to this moment:

• The spouse has stopped complaining about the things that they always have. Those behaviors haven’t improved, but the spouse no longer mentions them.
• There’s less enjoyment present. Often, there is a lack of a sexual relationship. There are no more lighthearted conversations, and there seems to be more distance between you and your spouse.
• In some cases, the spouse will no longer have any interest in a relationship at all. They may focus heavily on work, children, or activities with others, not you.
• The spouse seems to be living their life without you as a component of it.
• There’s less talking and sometimes even less fighting, even though conflicts are not really improved.

If you suspect that there are marital concerns and do not want a divorce, this is a good time to take action. Meet with a marriage counselor or reach out to a couples therapy option that may work for your needs.

How Can Walkaway Wife Syndrome Impact Your Long Island, NY Divorce?

Typically, when this type of situation occurs, the other party has had a long time to think about the impact, including the emotional, physical, and even the overall financial changes that would come with a divorce. They have reconciled with themselves that those complications are better to deal with than remaining in the marriage.

You can fight the divorce, but often, it’s better to prepare yourself for what is to come. That means hiring your own experienced Long Island, NY divorce attorney to ensure that you are going to have fair and full representation throughout this process. If one spouse decides to seek a divorce, they have the legal right to do so. If they actually leave their home and family, then this can impact their ability to enter the home later. Marital abandonment is a serious concern.

If your spouse left your marriage abruptly and you’re not sure what to do, seek out an experienced divorce attorney who can offer one-on-one guidance and can work to protect your assets and preserve your right to your home and income.

What if you need to leave your marriage?

It’s very common for people, even those who may not have a career or full-time income outside of the home, to leave a marriage that makes them unhappy or creates an unsafe living environment. They worry about what could happen if they stay versus if they go. In these situations, we encourage you to take several steps.

• Meet with a divorce attorney. No one has to know you are doing so. Your privacy is fully protected. Your divorce attorney will never break your trust or expose your efforts.
• Consider your family’s mental health. Without a doubt, it’s best to prioritize your safety over anything else. Your attorney can offer guidance on how to do that.
• When the time is right, apply for divorce. Once you meet with your divorce attorney, you’ll gain insight into the legal options you have and can create a plan for the future.

No Matter Where You Stand, We Can Help You

Whether you are a spouse who wants to leave or have had a spouse suddenly leave you, empower and protect yourself with the help of our team of experienced Long Island, NY divorce attorneys. At Hornberger Verbitsky, P.C., we recognize the importance of providing you with a solid understanding of what your rights are. Contact us for a consultation to discuss those rights.

At Hornberger Verbitsky, P.C., we know that walkaway wife syndrome is a very real situation. No matter what you are facing, our divorce attorneys will guide you in achieving the best possible outcoming going forward. Contact us now by calling 631-923-1910 to learn your options and how we can help.