Over 40 percent of first marriages will end in divorce. Statistically, people between the ages of 20 and 30 are more likely to end a marriage. Even so, there are circumstances or events that can lead to a divorce at any point in a marriage or any stage in life. While most people associate infidelity as the primary reason why someone may seek a divorce attorney, this is only one of several potential causes for divorce.
Getting Married Too Fast
Couples that wait at least three years before getting married have a 39 percent lower divorce rate. Lack of shared interests is one of the most commonly cited reasons why couples who rushed into matrimony opt for divorce. For instance, each partner may have very different ideas of what “quality time” spent together means or their personalities may differ too much.
Lack of Communication
It’s normal for communication patterns to change over time with couples. However, there are times when a lack of meaningful communication reaches a point where it leads to arguments, forced conversations, and a general lack of interest from one partner about what’s really going on with their spouse or what they’re feeling.
Infidelity
It’s not unusual for a client to consultant a family law attorney if they know for sure or strongly suspect their spouse is cheating. Studies suggest as many 40 percent of married people engage in some type of emotional or physical infidelity. Contrary to popular belief, infidelity rates are similar among men and women.
Intimacy Issues
Enthusiasm with intimacy tends to fade to some degree over time, but it’s not always a reason to get divorced. Still, there are times when an increasing lack of intimacy leads to behaviors such as cheating and other issues that may eventually contribute to a divorce.
Lack of Independence
More than 40 percent of women and about 25 percent of men feel they’ve lost some of their independence in their relationships. While couples may have common goals at the start of a marriage, there may come a time when individual goals are pushed aside or not taken seriously. If this is the only problem with a marriage, counseling may help a couple work through issues of this nature.
Financial/Money Problems
Divorce statistics suggest financial issues are a contributing factor to many splits. One spouse earning more may not have been a big deal at the start of a marriage, but it sometimes becomes a point of contention later. Such problems can also include differences with spending and savings habits and disagreements over where money is invested and financial decisions that are made.
Drugs and Alcohol
Substance abuse issues are a contributing factor to about 45 percent of divorces, according to some estimates. Excessive consumption of alcohol or use of drugs for non-medical reasons can lead to emotional and financial difficulties. Sometimes it leads to physical abuse and other serious problems.
Lack of Romance
For some couples, the honeymoon is never over when it comes to enjoying romantic moments together beyond sexual intimacy. Women are more likely to feel that their husbands are no longer making an effort to enjoy special times together.
Background Differences
For some couples, differences with religion, political beliefs, educational background, or career goals may not have seemed like a big deal at the beginning of a marriage. Such differences sometimes become major issues later that can’t be overlooked.
Boredom
This potential cause of divorce often occurs over time when couples drift apart. “Boredom” can come in the form of no longer sharing similar interests or simply no longer having romantic feelings towards one another.
Anybody who comes to a divorce attorney will have their own set of reasons for wanting to end their marriage, which may include other issues beyond what’s on this list. Regardless of what’s bringing you to a family law practice, realize you will have access to an attorney who will protect your rights and keep your best interests in mind as you explore your options.
Christopher is an an author from Tulsa, Oklahoma who is passionate about encouraging healthy family values for all communities while working with the Gorospe & Smith Tulsa Divorce Attorney Law Firm in his own community.
