Coming to terms with the possibility of divorce is never easy. After all, no one gets married thinking it won’t last forever. However, things sometimes don’t work out as you planned or according to your marriage vows, your best intentions notwithstanding.
This can be a challenging time filled with various emotions, including feeling lost or confused.
If you’re facing a divorce, understanding the most common reasons can be helpful. More importantly, knowing that we at Petrelli Previtera, LLC, are ready to help you through this challenging time is our reassurance to you.
While every relationship is unique, here are 10 common reasons that can lead to the difficult decision of divorce.
1. Lack of Commitment
Marriage comes with its set of challenges. That’s why both partners need to invest in building their union. This doesn’t always happen.
Sometimes, your partner might not be fully invested in the relationship. Alarmingly, 75% of respondents in a long-term study cited the lack of commitment as the leading cause of divorce.
This can manifest as emotional withdrawal, avoiding conversations about the future, a lack of shared goals, or difficulty resolving conflicts constructively. When either or both of you lose that loving feeling, it’s tough to get it back, leading to divorce.
2. Rushing Into Marriage
Marriage is a beautiful journey especially when the partners are ready.
However, the early ecstasy and excitement can sometimes lead to a rushed union which can lead to unforeseen challenges, such as discovering incompatible financial habits, differing parenting views, mismatched communication styles, and more.
While rushing into marriage doesn’t guarantee divorce, statistics suggest it can increase the likelihood of difficulties. According to an Economic Inquiry study, couples who dated for less than a year are more likely to divorce compared to those who dated for two or three years before marrying.
If you find yourself in such a situation, consider seeking legal counsel from professionals like Petrelli Previtera, LLC.
3. Financial Disagreements and Stress
Finance matters can cause significant tension in many relationships.
One survey established that 35% of people cite finance issues, especially debt, as a leading cause of stress in their union. In another study, 54% of people cited debt as a major reason to consider divorce.
Some of these financial issues include:
- Financial infidelity
- Bringing old debts into your marriage
- Opposing attitudes toward money
- Impulse buying
- Attending to extended families
- Mismatched financial priorities
Disagreements about money-related issues can destroy intimacy fast, causing stress in your union, and eventually, divorce.
4. Infidelity
Infidelity is still a major deal breaker for most marriages. A 2021 survey established that 21% of people admit to cheating on their previous or current partners.
When one or both partners cheat or have extra-marital affairs, that betrayal of trust can be incredibly damaging to a marriage. Getting past that betrayal can be challenging and requires tremendous effort on both sides.
Unfortunately, these efforts might not be enough and the resentment and jealousy may eventually corrode your marriage. Sadly, it’s easy for such cases to end in divorce.
5. Unrealistic Expectations and Unmet Needs
Sometimes, marriages begin with spouses picturing what their partner or the marriage itself “should” be like. It could stem from holding onto childhood experiences or even societal expectations. You might also have important needs, like emotional support, quality time, or financial stability.
It can be disappointing and frustrating when these expectations are unrealistic or don’t match the reality of your marriage. Similarly, If your partner fails to meet your needs for a long time, it can create feelings of loneliness, resentment, and dissatisfaction within the marriage.
Unless corrected, both scenarios can lead to divorce.
6. Addiction and Substance Abuse
Alcoholism, drug addiction, and substance abuse puts enormous strain on even the strongest of unions.
Signs that your partner may be on drugs or substances may include physical changes such as bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual, tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination. Maybe behavioral changes like secretive or unusual behaviors, neglecting responsibilities, or sudden mood swings.
They can cause trust issues, financial crises, constant conflicts, volatile fights, intimacy issues, chronic stress and fear, family instability, and eventually divorce. Concerningly, addiction and substance abuse is responsible for over 7% of divorce cases.
7. Cultural and Religious Differences
Diversity can add richness and understanding to your marriage. Nevertheless, significant differences can sometimes be challenging.
If you have vastly different backgrounds, values, and beliefs, you may face misunderstandings in communication, gender roles, parenting approaches, holidays, spirituality, and more. These differences can create conflicts, especially if there’s a lack of open communication, respect, and willingness to compromise.
Sometimes open communication, honoring each other’s values, and seeking support from professionals can help. Unfortunately, the differences can be too much, leading to divorce.
8. Domestic Violence and Abuse
Sadly, 41% of women and 26% of men experience contact physical or sexual violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner.
When one partner uses intimidation and violence to control the other, it corrodes the love and trust that marriage depends on. Being constantly belittled, threatened, or physically harmed takes an emotional and physical toll, leaving deep scars, even trauma. You live in fear, stripped of self-worth and feel alone and trapped.
No one deserves to feel unsafe or threatened in their union. Domestic violence, in any form, is unacceptable and requires immediate attention. If you are experiencing abuse, reach out to a domestic violence hotline or seek professional help.
9. Constant Conflicts
Every couple argues and disagrees sometimes; it’s completely normal.
However, when these conflicts become constant, filled with negativity and lack of resolution, they can harm even the strongest bond. They can create feelings of hurt, resentment, and distance within your relationship.
It’s like having a leaky faucet. The constant drip can eventually erode the foundation.
In such cases, learning healthy communication skills and conflict resolution techniques might not help. If divorce is the only solution, the divorce attorneys at Petrelli Previtera, LLC can help.
10. Unforeseen Circumstances
Life sometimes throws unexpected curveballs at your union. You might face events like job loss, serious illness, or the loss of a loved one that can put a significant strain on your marriage.
These sudden shifts can uncover hidden cracks. While care and communication can help you navigate these together, sometimes the hardship is just too much. In such a case, you reach the painful decision of divorcing.
You Don’t Have to Go Through It Alone
If you’re considering divorce or going through it, you don’t have to handle it alone. At Petrelli Previtera, LLC, we understand how challenging the divorce process is, especially emotionally and financially. Our knowledgeable divorce attorneys are dedicated to guiding you through the process with compassion, expertise, and respect.
You need an award-winning divorce law firm on your side to fight for your rights and reach an amicable solution. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and let us help you navigate this difficult time.