5 most common reasons for divorce

On Behalf of | Apr 12, 2021 | Divorce

Despite a reduction in divorces in the United States over the past several decades, nearly half of all marriages don’t survive. Most divorces typically happen within the first seven years of marriage.

While each couple is unique, many common reasons exist when these unions dissolve. The Austin Institute of Family and Culture studied 4,000 divorced adults in the U.S. to identify the top reasons their marriages ended.

What did the survey find?

Researchers identified 10 common factors that led to divorce. Here are the top five:

  1. Infidelity: While extramarital affairs are present in up to 40% of all breakups, it isn’t as clear why people cheat.
  2. Financial issues: Most married couples argue over money. However, 41% of the couples studied said it was the “final straw” leading to divorce.
  3. Lack of communication: Sixty-five percent of the couples studied said poor communication, leading to isolation and loneliness, was one of the biggest reasons they wanted out of the marriage.
  4. Persistent arguing: Nearly 60% of spouses filing for divorce said having the same dispute over and over again made them feel like their partner didn’t hear or appreciate them.
  5. Weight gain: While this may seem superficial, some spouses said partners who gained weight became less attractive. Those gaining weight said it hurt their self-esteem and led to intimacy problems.

While researchers identified these five factors as the most common reasons marriages fail, the report identified several other circumstances.

Identifying and dealing with issues is essential

Even the most successful and loving couples experience bumps along the marital road. That’s why it is vital to address issues as they arise in a relationship. Doing so is no guarantee that the marriage will survive.

If you and your partner reach an impasse and divorce becomes the best and only option, it’s advisable to work with an experienced and compassionate family law attorney who will protect your interests.