No one enters into a marriage thinking it's going to end in divorce, but for some couples that's exactly what happens despite their best efforts to stay together. Deciding to end a marriage is not only a painful one, but it can bring with it consequences that couples will face for years to come — financial hardships, broken relationships with in-laws, child care issues, and more.

While it's true we're doing a better job of staying together in the U.S. now than in years past, some marriages just don't last. According to The National Center for Marriage and Family Research at Bowling Green State University, there were 16.9 divorces per 1,000 married woman in 2015. The statistic represents a 25 percent drop in divorces from 1980 to 2015. And if you think you're likely to get it right the second time around, think again. According to information published in Psychology Today, over half of all second marriages end in divorce. And third marriages are even worse, with 76 percent of them ending in divorce.

So if you currently find yourself wondering if it's best to stay or go, this episode of Forever 39 might help you answer some of those questions. Check out the podcast player above to hear our conversation with Dr. Marty Tashman, a licensed marriage and family therapist with offices throughout New Jersey.

Tashman said he sees about 30 couples a week, and said lack of communication and time spent together is two of the biggest issues he sees in his practice. He also deals with about six to eight couples per week dealing with infidelity issues.

In this episode, Tashman shares with our listeners what they need to consider before ending a marriage, and what some of the questions are that they need to ask themselves before dissolving their union.

And if you're still in need of more advice after listening, eHarmony has some tips that you might find helpful. Have you been on the verge of ending your marriage, but were able to work things out? Share your story by emailing us at forever39@nj1015.com.

Also from this week's Forever 39 podcast — How to mend a broken friendship. PLUS: Fall's top fashion trends! Click on the podcast player above to hear the entire episode.

Share your thoughts on all of them below, on Twitter, on Facebook or at forever39@nj1015.com.

— Annette and Megan, Forever 39

Join us for next week’s podcast when we chat about how the media influences the way we think about our bodies, seasonal displays in stores, and back-to-school anxieties.

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