Making the decision to file for divorce is remarkably difficult. Nobody gets married expecting to get divorced someday. We all want our marriages to work and, for many of us, it feels like a bit of a failure when we get divorced. That’s not to say that this is correct. There’s no reason for you to feel embarrassed or ashamed when you get divorced.
The reasons why we get divorced are often left undiscussed. Below, we’re looking into the leading causes of divorce. Understanding why divorces happen won’t lessen your risk of getting divorced, necessarily — sometimes our spouses act in ways that we can’t predict — but it can inform how your divorce proceeds. Let’s explore them further below.
1. Infidelity
According to some studies, infidelity is the leading cause of divorce in the United States and is often the reason why many couples seek to find a divorce lawyer. Infidelity can lead to trust issues, conflict, and more. If your spouse has been unfaithful to you, you can potentially use this act of infidelity as leverage during divorce proceedings. While some couples may be able to recover from infidelity, it certainly is a breaking point for many and is, at the very least, something that makes most people seriously reevaluate their marriages. If you and your partner are experiencing conflict due to infidelity, it may be time to reach out and find a divorce lawyer.
2. Substance Abuse
The reasons why people turn to substances like drugs and alcohol are varied. While it’s important to empathize with your partner’s addiction and encourage them to seek help, you are not obligated to live with them and pursue a relationship with them if their addiction is hurting you. Addiction can have long-term, serious consequences, and you’re not alone if you’re looking to find a divorce lawyer if your partner refuses to seek help with their substance abuse.
3. Finances
Money causes a great deal of stress on a marriage, especially because the finances of both partners are commonly joined together. If one partner has a great amount of debt but isn’t able to pay it off, it can cause stress for both partners. You may be able to cut down on some of that stress and be more financially fit after divorcing.
Divorce is hard, but it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Divorce can be a way for you to start a new life and seek out a new adventure. Think long and hard before choosing divorce, but if it’s right for you, pursue it as you see fit.