Most Common Divorce Issues

Updated on December 5, 2022
Updated: January 19, 2023

No couple is immune to the stresses and strains of a relationship. While some will be able to work through these issues, many will not. Divorce rates in the United States sit at nearly 50% of all marriages.  So what are some of the common divorce issues that a married couple can face?

In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most common factors that couples say contributed to the end of their marriages. A married couple who understands how these issues commonly affect marriages may even be better prepared to handle them should they show up in their own relationship. However, if your marital problems become irreconcilable differences, you should find a qualified divorce lawyer as quickly as possible.

This will give you the best opportunity to fully explore the options open to you and approach your divorce in a way that best protects your rights and interests. If you are beginning the divorce process, you will want one of our skilled and dedicated divorce attorneys at Tommalieh Law to work on your case. They will help you get your divorce papers in order, prepare for each different step in your divorce, and effectively represent you in court. Call us today or schedule an appointment through our website for a free initial consultation!

Issues that Can Lead to Divorce

Every relationship has characteristics that are unique, and every marriage will face its own difficulties and challenges. There is a wide range of issues that can cause disharmony in a marriage, but some are more commonplace than others. These issues rarely show up overnight, instead, it is far more common for them to be regular points of conflict with arguments being started and resolved until someone reaches their breaking point. At this point, when one or both members of the relationship feel that they have put everything they could into maintaining the marriage, the subject of divorce comes up.

man leaving leaving with a suitcase while wife cries, Most Common Divorce Issues

Knowing the most common reasons for couples to divorce can help others spot these issues in their own relationships and work toward their resolution. Couples will often cite the following issues as either being directly responsible for their divorce or significantly contributing to it:

  • Lack of commitment - Remaining fully committed in a long-term relationship can be difficult for many people. A spouse can "check out" of the marriage but feel the need to stay in it due to a variety of factors such as social or family pressure, financial reasons, prioritizing stability for their children, etc.
  • Infidelity - Things can get ugly when one spouse is unfaithful to the other. In fact, infidelity is one of the reasons most frequently listed by divorced couples as the final straw in ending their marriage.
  • Domestic violence - The ugly truth is that domestic violence is far more commonplace than most people would believe. The CDC reports that nearly 25% of women and 15% of men experience severe physical violence from an intimate partner during their lives, while approximately 50% of both men and women experience psychological aggression from an intimate partner. Domestic violence of any type is frequently listed as a reason for a couple's divorce.
  • Substance abuse - Abusing drugs or alcohol is a commonly cited reason for the end of a marriage. This commonly stems from a partner who had previous substance abuse issues falling back into old patterns but can also be new behavior in response to changing conditions such as new work-related stress.
  • Arguing and Conflict - Not every marriage falls apart due to a specific single event. In some cases, a couple may just grow apart. As differences develop and grow the relationship can begin to experience friction that can build and build until the couple decides to end their marriage.

Whatever your reasons are for pursuing a divorce, it may be the best path forward for you if you find you can no longer tolerate your partner, even after making attempts to salvage your relationship through marriage counseling or similar efforts. If you decide to move forward with a divorce you should find an experienced family law attorney to work on your case. They will be able to help you ensure your paperwork is filed correctly and in a timely manner, explore options you may not even be aware exist, and represent you in court if need be. 

Infidelity or an Extramarital Affair

One of the most common issues that lead to a divorce is infidelity. It is often difficult for the wronged partner to get over the breach of trust that comes along with an extramarital affair. Looking outside of the marriage for physical intimacy, sexual fulfillment, or even emotional infidelity may be the final act that breaks many marriages, but it rarely starts there. 

FAQ: How much does a divorce lawyer cost?

Extramarital affairs are listed as the primary reason for as much as 40% of divorces nationally. The reasons one spouse cheats on the other are often painted as simple and ignore the underlying reasons behind the infidelity. The reality of the situation is that few people jump directly to cheating, and it generally comes as a result of deeper unresolved issues in the relationship. 

Most people who cheat on their spouse do so in response to feelings of resentment or anger toward them. Unresolved issues, continual or repeated arguments, or feelings of inequality in the marriage can push a person into an extramarital relationship to find fulfillment. Infidelity issues can also arise in marriages with a lack of intimacy, whether physical or emotional or in those in which spouses have different sex drives and needs. 

Trouble with Finances

Financial strain and disagreements over money can destroy even the strongest relationships. Marriages are no exception to this. One of the best ways to maintain peace and harmony in your marriage is to ensure that both partners are in agreement over how the finances are to be handled. 

married couple arguing over finances, Most Common Divorce Issues

Money touches everything in our lives. Financial issues can bleed over into other areas of a relationship and unravel even an otherwise healthy marriage. These difficulties do not have to be new, either. While irresponsible spending habits or poor financial management that develops during the marriage will certainly have a negative impact on the relationship, so can existing conditions such as the amount of money each spouse enters the marriage with or disparities in income. With the significance that money has over every aspect of the relationship, it comes as no surprise that it is one of the major reasons for divorce. 

Lack of Communication

Communication is a vital part of any relationship. A lack of communication or poor attempts at communication can create growing resentment and anger in otherwise successful marriages. The reverse of this is also true. A couple with strong communication skills and the willingness to work through their issues are far more likely to have a healthy and happy marriage. 

FAQ: What should I do before filing for divorce?

A lack of communication is listed as a major reason for over half of all divorces. Unproductive or poor communication methods such as yelling at one another, making underhanded comments during conversations, or not discussing each other's needs can quickly undermine a relationship. Many people have a difficult time breaking out of the downward cycle that poor communication can create but working with your spouse to develop effective communication skills can be one of the best solutions to the vast majority of marital issues. 

Contact Tommalieh Law Today!

Facing the end of your marriage can be one of the most difficult experiences of your life. It is easy to fall into the thinking that your situation is unique and that no one can relate to you, however, the opposite is true. Countless other couples have experienced the same issues as you and your spouse and understanding how they affect your marriage can be one of the greatest tools in working through them and saving your marriage. 

If you are unable to push past your problems and differences and divorce is inevitable you will need the help of a dedicated divorce attorney. Our talented legal team at Tommalieh Law has experience helping clients from all backgrounds work through the divorce process. We are available to provide you with the legal guidance and assistance necessary to navigate your divorce as quickly and simply as possible and will always handle your case with the respect you deserve. Schedule an appointment today over the phone or on our website to meet one of our divorce attorneys for a no-cost case consultation

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