Have you ever wondered how close you and your spouse are to getting a divorce and why it may happen? Maybe you’ve heard that half of all marriages end in divorce or perhaps you have friends who are going through it, so you’ve wondered if you’ll eventually find yourself in the same position.
Though the idea that 50% of marriages end in divorce isn’t quite accurate, it is true that divorce is fairly common. To understand why it may happen to you, consider the following reasons that couples split up.
The main reasons for couples to divorce, unranked
The following are the most common reasons cited by family law experts, but they are not ranked in any specific order.
- Infidelity: There are few things that more assuredly end marriages than finding out that one person has been unfaithful. While there are couples that manage to make things work afterward, it is more common for them to decide to just end the marriage.
- Lack of commitment: In some cases, one spouse is far more committed to the marriage than the other. There are also instances where both people feel like they have just drifted apart. They may decide to mutually part ways, rather than staying married.
- Domestic violence: Domestic violence can be perpetrated by either spouse. Along with being a legal issue, it may cause the victim to decide to seek a divorce — even if they opt not to press charges.
- Conflict/arguing: All relationships have some level of conflict at some point. A single disagreement likely will not end the marriage, but a couple that constantly argues and disagrees may eventually realize it’s just not going to work. It’s a stressful way to live.
- Substance abuse: Many people start by trying to seek help for a spouse with a substance abuse problem. They talk to them about the issue, consider rehab, etc. However, if the issue can’t be fixed or the other spouse is resistant to change, they may decide that the only option they have left is to get divorced.
If you are considering divorce this year, regardless of the reason for it, it is absolutely crucial that you understand all of the legal rights you have.
