Common Reasons for Divorce and How to Prevent Them
While no couple enters into marriage with the belief that they will one day file for divorce, the reality of the situation is that divorce is not a particularly unusual outcome. Analyses performed by the Center for Disease Control in 2021 found that the divorce rate in Arizona is 2.7 divorces per 1000 people. This is higher than the national 2021 average of 2.5 divorces per 1000 people.
As reported by TIME Magazine, the 50% divorce rate that was common in the 1980’s has lowered to closer to 39%. Their studies found that this is due, in part, to the fact that an increasing number of couples are living together as though they are married without legally being so, which means that their breakups are not counted among divorce statistics. For those that do marry, however, individuals are now tending to wait until they are older and more financially secure before tying the knot, making their relationship more likely to endure.
According to Psychology Today, the most common reasons for divorce are:
- Lack of compatibility
- Irreconcilable differences
- Money
- Lack of communication
- Constant conflict
- Infidelity
- Lack of intimacy
- Getting married too young
- Abuse of any type
- Addiction of any type
Psychology Today also lists additional causes for divorce that, while less common than the above, are not unusual ground, including:
- Unrealistic expectations
- Conflict with in-laws
- Weight gain
- Loss of identity
- Unwillingness to work on the marriage
- Mental or physical illness or disability
According to the Gottman Institute and Dr. Robert Navarra, making a relationship last comes down to:
- Being able to repair following negative interactions or conflicts.
- Handling conflicts gently and positively.
- Treating your partner like a good friend.
- Expressing interest in your partner and their world.
In addition, Very Well Mind suggests married couples do the following to avoid divorce:
- Forgive quickly.
- Communicate regularly.
- Share financial expectations.
- Give your partner space.
- Don’t try to control your partner.
- Remember to go on date nights.
Spouses need to commit to each other as well as the time and effort required in pursuit of a healthy marriage. This may also entail attending marriage or couples counseling. Some couples may choose to seek counseling early in their relationship as a way of preventing smaller issues from escalating into larger ones. Regardless, marriage requires each partner to be committed, present, and making efforts in order to survive.
If you have found that your marriage is irretrievably broken, Rideout Law Group can assist you in the next steps of your journey.
Rideout Law Group handles cases throughout the entire state of Arizona, with offices located in Scottsdale and Lake Havasu City. Our attorneys are experienced in handling divorce cases. For a free consultation, call 480-584-3328.