Divorce has changed a lot over the decades, moving from something uncommon and often difficult to obtain to something that happens to a significant percentage of married couples. People today enjoy far more freedom than they used to regarding relationships – including ending them on their schedule.
This also means that you don’t technically need a reason to get divorced. You can always obtain a no-fault divorce. You do not have to prove that your spouse did something to make the divorce feel warranted.
It’s still helpful to know what the reasons are
Even though you don’t need a reason, legally speaking, it can still be helpful to know why divorce tends to happen. This way, you can see it coming in advance and begin to get things in order. Some of the most common reasons for divorce include:
- Infidelity and extramarital affairs
- Domestic violence
- Substance abuse
- Financial concerns and stress
- Lack of commitment
- Getting married too young
- Drifting apart over time
- Outside stress, such as that from a career
These issues may appear at the same time, and in many cases they do. For instance, someone whose spouse is working a lot may feel like they’re drifting apart. As the relationship changes, that person may start an affair because they need someone to be close to and their spouse is always at the office. In this way, both people contribute to the end of the marriage.
If you have been seeing any of these warning signs in your own marriage, take the time to explore your legal options. A family law attorney can help you.