There are many reasons men and women decide to divorce and start over on their own or with another person. While some divorces are unforeseen and sudden, others are the product of long term difficulties and challenges that a couple is not able to overcome. It is common for many couples to stay together for the benefit of children. The time, resources and anxiety of a contested child custody case can be a factor in a one or more spouse choosing to stay together until the kids are grown. Sometimes after a cooling off period or when circumstances change, divorced couples reunite and some of them remarry. While there are many studies and statistics about divorce rates, every relationship is unique.
- Financial troubles: Money problems come with job change, legal troubles, health problems and a seemingly endless source of life events. Sometimes chronic overspending and mismanagement of marital money leads people to a breaking point where they would rather make it on their own or find another mate with a better financial outlook.
- Cheating spouse: Infidelity is an immediate cause of divorce for some, and others are more willing to work on repairing the marriage. In some marriages, there is a pattern of cheating and spouses decide to have a more open marriage if it works with the couple and does not otherwise disturb the family to the point a divorce is necessary.
- Disease or disability: The sickness or accidental disability of a spouse can test even the strongest of marriages. When one the life and health of one spouse is seriously affected it can become a game changer for the other. When it comes to disease, some are more troublesome to a marriage than others. For example, when one spouse contracts a sexually transmitted disease, we can assume a few things, including a divorce petition.
- Substance abuse and addiction: In another category of life problems that can cause marital discord but not necessarily divorce, substance abuse and addiction can wear good people down. Where an individual is significantly addicted to drugs or alcohol, the effects on a spouse and on the marriage, can be significant. People who love one another in a strong marriage may work together to support the other spouse, but over time, the damage can be overwhelming.
- Family violence and abuse: Too many people know someone who stays in a bad relationship, and when the relationship is bad because of family violence and physical abuse, that someone might be in more danger than they realize. Remember, a protective order is only a piece of paper and it will not stop a bullet. Over time, people who stay in abusive relationships and marriages might lose touch with that to which they become accustomed and forget the boundaries they would never have allowed to be crossed before getting used to an abusive relationship.
- Criminal and civil legal problems: When one spouse is facing jail or prison time it may be time to make some difficult decisions, especially if children are involved. While there may be ways to make a marriage work, serious legal problems can make it nearly impossible to continue a marriage, especially when one spouse becomes a seemingly single parent overnight.
- Empty nest and time for change: Staying together for the sake of children is a common practice and when the marriage otherwise might not last, the raising of the children can be the glue that keeps people together. It is becoming more common to see people approaching amicable divorces once the children are grown and out of the house.
As well as there are many reasons for divorce, there are many family law attorneys who are ready to help. It is important to find the right fit. Finding the right divorce attorney, is important. It is a good idea to do some research about how you should approach finding a divorce attorney who fits your needs.
