The modern divorce process doesn’t always require couples to state an explicit reason that they want to end the marriage. It’s often enough for them to say that they can’t reconcile their differences. These differences may be minor, but divorce is still possible.
Even so, it’s important for couples to know about the main causes of divorce in the United States. Knowing why it happens may allow you to see if it’s coming. You may also be able to consider how the reason for the split could impact the divorce proceedings. With that in mind, here are some of the main reasons:
You and your spouse have trouble communicating
Communication issues really just make other issues worse. If you can’t talk about what is wrong or what you want from the other person, resentment can build up that can eventually lead to a divorce.
One person carries too much responsibility
A marriage should be a partnership. If you feel like you’re doing everything and your spouse isn’t contributing, you may decide that it is time to move on.
You’ve drifted apart over time
People change. Is your marriage really going to last forever if you and your spouse both change, but in opposite directions? You can slowly drift apart until you realize that it doesn’t make much sense for you to be a couple anymore.
You’re running into financial stress
Money can be stressful in many ways. Maybe you don’t have enough to pay the bills. Maybe the two of you use money very differently. Whatever the stress is from, it can take a toll on your relationship.
One of you was unfaithful
This is perhaps the most cliché reason, and it doesn’t happen as often as you may think, but cheating is a reason for divorce. For many couples, finding out that a spouse was unfaithful is the one thing they know that the relationship can never recover from.
What if you do get divorced?
Divorce is complex. It is emotional. It can really define what your life looks like. Make sure you know what legal steps to take as you work through this process.