When a couple gets married, they vow to love each other until they die, but nearly half of them end up getting a divorce. Filing for divorce is not an unusual process at this point. Many people know others in their life or have personally gone through a separation. However, this does not mean that each divorce is not unique. Individuals usually have their own particular reason for going through a divorce.
While this list is non-exhaustive, the end of a marriage usually encompasses one or more of these reasons for divorce.
1. Infidelity
An affair will typically occur in a relationship that is already deteriorating. Spouses may cheat if they feel neglected or disconnected from their partner, have anger or insecurity issues, or they fear their partner abandoning them. Whatever the underlying reason is, they might cheat to feel some comfort in their lives.
However, this can be devastating for the marriage. Infidelity can cause doubt and insecurity in the relationship, making it harder for the spouse to trust their partner. If this is the case, a divorce is likely because of the inability to move past the feeling of betrayal.
2. Growing Apart
Divorced couples commonly state that growing apart was the cause of their divorce. When people get married, they typically don’t think about how different of a person they might be in the future. However, forever is a long time, and change is inevitable. A couple who were once deeply in love, might not feel that way anymore, and divorce might be the best option for them.
3. Communication Issues
Communication is required in all aspects of marriage, making it a part of the foundation of a healthy marriage. Whether it’s deciding major life choices (like having children or buying a home) or day-to-day interactions, being able to communicate effectively is essential.
Not being able to talk through issues in your marriage or not being able to talk without fighting can cause frustration and resentment in your partner. If a couple cannot find a way to communicate, they might choose to divorce instead.
4. Arguments
A national survey asked people to state the reasons they divorced. 56% of them cited too much arguing as a significant factor in their marriage. Arguments heighten tension between couples and can result in a negative environment. Couples who keep arguing over the same thing may not feel like they have any common ground as well as feel like their spouse isn’t listening to them.
The hostility that stems from arguing and fighting can become tiring for couples. Divorce might feel like the best option in this case because the couple feels they cannot fix the relationship because there are too many differences and problems between them.
5. Addiction
When a spouse has an addiction to a bad habit, whether that’s drugs, alcohol, gambling, or sex, this can put a strain on the relationship. People who suffer from addiction end up prioritizing their habit above the needs of themselves and their families. However, they may be able to salvage the marriage if the spouse can get help and can overcome the addiction.
However, if the addiction continues, it can be the final straw for the other partner. If the dependency is dangerous or causing a loss of finances, the partner may feel their only choice is to get away from the situation by getting a divorce.
6. Money
Regardless of how much money a married couple has, it can still cause issues in a marriage. The stress and tension that comes from managing finances can ultimately lead to a couple choosing to divorce. Financial problems couples might face include:
- Different spending and saving habits
- Power dynamics caused by different incomes
- Lack of money
- When one spouse is in charge of all finances
7. Lack of Commitment
A survey showed that 73% of people thought that “lack of commitment” was a significant reason for their divorce. When two people get married, they may not realize what they will have to sacrifice in marriage. When problems, like some of the ones previously mentioned, start to arise, spouses may recognize they are not fully ready for the commitment that marriage entails. They decide the promise isn’t worth the time and effort required to make it work and choose to get divorced instead.
Thinking About Getting Divorced?
Typically, several of these factors contribute to a couple's decision to separate. No matter what the cause is, if you are thinking about getting a divorce, you should carefully consider all your options and how a divorce will impact you and your family. There are other options besides divorce. If you want to make your marriage work, you can speak to a marriage counselor who will be able to help you and your spouse work through your issues.
Experiencing any of these issues in your marriage can be challenging and painful. A divorce might be the best option to ensure your future happiness. If you decide this is the route you want to take, it is vital to enlist the help of an aggressive family law attorney to ensure your rights are protected.
If you are considering divorce contact our firm today at (757) 926-0078.