What Are the Most Common Reasons For Divorce?

When you say “I do” on your wedding day, you probably never pictured anything but living happily ever after. Unfortunately, that’s not the reality for many American couples.

Avoiding a scenario involving separation or dissolution of marriage may be a priority for you and your spouse. Not only is the total cost of ending a marriage around $15,000 on average, but this process can be emotionally devastating. Whether you’re worried about your own partnership or you simply want to avoid problems before they start, here are just some of the most commonly cited reasons for hiring a divorce lawyer.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Divorce?

• Money: Financial issues are one of the most common causes for marriage trouble. In some cases, one partner might spend beyond their means and rack up shared debt. In others, one spouse might make significantly more money than the other, which can lead to resentment or financial control. Job loss or medical issues can also have major money ramifications. Even simply disagreements about future financial goals can reveal huge differences in values and priorities. It’s important to stay ahead of this problem and make sure you and your spouse are on the same financial page.
• Infidelity: Extramarital relationships (or even emotional infidelity) can be a deal-breaker for many couples, while others decide to stay together in an effort to weather the storm. Cheating can change your marriage forever, but it can also be a symptom of other problems in your relationship. It might signal a lack of intimacy with your partner or other aspects of your marriage that are lacking. Adultery can cause irreparable damage, as evidenced by the couples who cite this as the ultimate reason for their divorce.
• Substance Abuse: Addiction and alcoholism can be a massive problem in relationships. If one spouse has been arrested multiple times for drunk driving or continues to use drugs (whether they’re illegal or not) and refuses to get help, that puts an immense amount of strain onto the other partner and the relationship as a whole. Keep in mind that other addictions, like gambling, can also be damaging. In many cases, the marriage simply won’t survive these conditions due to the dishonesty and unhealthy behaviors involved.
• Domestic Violence: Domestic violence disputes and other forms of abusive behavior can also cause a marriage to fall apart. Whether it’s verbal insults or physical injury, these behaviors aren’t something that can be solved in couples’ therapy. In the end, the onus is on the partner exhibiting these behaviors to change — but that may not always be possible or likely. Family lawyers will typically recommend that those in abusive marriages prioritize their own safety, which may mean leaving the relationship permanently, filing for a restraining order, or divorcing their partner.
• Communication Issues: Some situations may not be as violent or dramatic, but they can still be harmful to the relationship. Communication issues may include the inability or unwillingness to confide in your spouse or a general lack of compatibility in the way you express your emotions with one another. This could also be indicative of other issues, like growing apart or a lack of shared goals and interests. Opening up the lines of communication will prove vital if your relationship is going to survive. In many cases, therapy can be a useful tool to explore what isn’t being said. But if you find that your partner isn’t willing to make a change or the situation is only getting worse, it’s possible you might want to meet with an attorney to discuss your options.

Of course, these aren’t the only reasons that couples file for divorce. And no matter your circumstances, it’s possible that ending your marriage is the only way forward. To learn more about the options available to you, contact us today to schedule a consultation.