Causes for Divorce and How They Affect the Case
Most people get married in their lifetime. Some of these marriages are fruitful and last for a lifetime. However, other marriages fall on difficult times. Sometimes, couples can work through their problems and reconcile. Other times, couples decide that it’s time to move on and end the marriage. Between 40% and 50% of marriages end in divorce. Why is this the case? To understand, let’s look at some of the most common reasons for divorce in America.
Marital Infidelity
It’s no surprise that marital infidelity is a leading cause of divorce. Every marriage is different. While some couples have an “open” approach to marital relations, many do not. An extramarital affair can lead to broken trust, hurt feelings, and differences that can’t be reconciled. The causes of marital infidelity vary widely, and each couple is different, but this scenario often leads to divorce. While in Texas infidelity is not likely to affect your case, actions taken during infidelity could correlate with alimony or child support costs.
Feelings of Inequality
Spouses can grow to resent each other if one feels that they are bearing more of the load than their partner. This can be in terms of housework or working and making money. In another scenario, sometimes a spouse wishes to be the breadwinner but can’t find suitable employment. Both of these situations can cause marital strife. If one party makes a certain amount of money and the other party, unable to work, is accustomed to the lifestyle, this can affect how much is paid in alimony.
Poor Communication
Spouses who do not talk to one another and are poor communicators run into problems. It’s also a problem if spouses communicate by yelling at each other. Good communication requires mindfulness, patience, and intentionality. Couples who are not willing to put in the work to communicate better are likely to end up divorcing.
When a relationship is missing clear and healthy communication, it can lead to misplaced expectations. This can be in terms of money, spousal responsibility, family dynamics, physical intimacy, and more. When couples don’t communicate, the problem can snowball and continue growing over time.
Poor communication is not likely to affect a divorce case, either at fault or no fault.
Not Prepared
A marriage is more likely to end in divorce when those getting married are extremely young. It’s not easy to know when you are ready to get married. If you jump into marriage when you don’t yet know yourself or what you want, this can lead to problems. Those who enter marriage with unrealistic expectations run a high risk of divorce.
Abuse
This is a very serious and valid reason to seek to end a marriage. There are several forms of abuse. Of course, the most commonly known is physical abuse, but there is also emotional abuse, verbal abuse, and financial abuse. The abuse can be between spouses or also stretch out to a child, sibling, or elderly relative.
Victims of abuse should seek a divorce whenever possible. The law is designed to be on their side, and by getting a professional lawyer in their corner it can help them achieve autonomy.
Addiction
There are many forms of addiction. Drug and alcohol abuse are most common, but many marriages are also tainted by an addition to sex, pornography, or gambling. True addiction takes over someone’s life. This can lead to decreased intimacy, secrets, and compromised decision-making abilities. In many cases, addiction comes with a high financial cost and can put a job on the line. If a person is willing to get help with recovery, this can save a marriage. If recovery is unattainable, divorce is likely. Addiction issues may affect a divorce case.
Religious Differences
Many people may feel that it’s not a big deal to marry another who has varying religious views. However, over time, the differences can make a marriage unhappy. It’s important to have aligned values. Plus, the observation of weekly religious observations and different ideals about how to raise children can put strain on a marriage. Sometimes, religious viewpoints change during a marriage. When this happens, there can also be strife that leads to divorce.
Talk With a Divorce Attorney From Setzer Law Firm
No matter the reason for seeking a divorce, reach out to us. There are many legal causes for divorce, and our team can help you understand your options. Request a consultation with our experienced team today.