Why do People Get Divorced?

Couples that are contemplating divorce or have gone through with the process have common reasons behind this decision. Many divorces pop up out of the blue, but others are very predictable and the result of long-term problems in the marriage. Often times, couples choose to stay together because a child is involved, and the idea of a child custody battle can be intimidating. Many divorced couples remarry after years of working through their problems, but one thing is certain and that is every divorce is unique.

Reasons for Divorce

Financial problems are the most common reason for divorce in the United States. Overspending and debt can lead to mismanagement of shared funds. Gambling can be a rabbit hole when it comes to a marriage as well. If a partner loses their job, runs into health problems or legal troubles, money can quickly run out. Trust issues are also a common theme among divorces. A cheating spouse is usually an immediate reason for divorce for a lot of couples. However, for others, therapy can help. Infidelity is often a pattern of cheating in a relationship and can work if spouses decide to have an open marriage. Otherwise, it can force the non-cheating partner to the brink of divorce. Sudden sickness or disability can be another reason for divorce. If a spouse’s health is jeopardized permanently, it becomes too much of a burden for the healthy spouse. Substance abuse is another problem for marriages altogether, because like gambling, it can be addicting and dangerous. The mental and financial problems that it can bring about are very troublesome to an already teetering marriage. If a spouse is facing criminal charges or jail time after being convicted of a crime, the burden of being an only parent and having to wait for a partner to get out of jail is enough to drive some spouses to divorce. Bad relationships make up a prominent percentage of divorces, with physical and mental abuse at the root of it. It is not uncommon for spouses to wait until their child is hit to leave an abusive partner, even if they have been taking the brunt of the abuse for years.