The Six Most Common Reasons Couples Split Up

Nobody goes into a marriage intending to get divorced one day. We hope not, anyway. They enter into their marriage with high hopes of a “happily ever after,” or at least a nice, long life together. Most people understand that marriage takes work. If you feel like you’ve given your marriage everything you have but it’s just not working, it may be time to think about divorce.

Every couple’s marriage is unique, and similarly every couple’s divorce is unique. However, as family law attorneys, we tend to see some of the same issues crop up time and time again.

Top 6 reasons for divorce

Following, in no particular order, are six of the most common reasons couples split up.

1. Money.  Financial issues cause a lot of stress for some couples, and they’re also one of the main reasons couples seek marriage counseling. Differences in how much money each partner brings to the marriage can lead to power struggles. It can cause deep rifts between couples that can become impossible to repair. Most successful couples tend to be on the same page regarding money and finances.
2. Infidelity. Extramarital affairs lead to the breakdown of many marriages. And in today’s world where just about everyone is connected to social media, infidelity can take many forms in addition to the physical. The reasons why people cheat, however, may be unique to every couple. Infidelity is one of the biggest betrayals a partner may face, and if the relationship is already weakening, this could be the final blow for many couples.
3. Lack of intimacy. Lack of intimacy doesn’t just mean sex. It can mean emotional connection as well as physical connection. Sometimes the spouses will describe themselves as “roommates,” or say they spend little time interacting with each other. It’s important in a marriage that each partner makes the other feel special and appreciated, and when this intimacy isn’t there, the relationship may be in trouble.
4. Addictions. Addictions to drugs or alcohol are another common reason cited for divorce. Addictions can hijack a partner’s priorities—hijacking them over their spouse, children, work, or finances. Dependence on drugs or alcohol can jeopardize the entire family, and is typically the “final straw” in the decision to end a marriage.
5. Constant arguing. Nonstop arguing can be a relationship killer. Many divorcing couples tend to have the same arguments over and over—about money, about chores, about the kids. Some couples find it difficult to see each other’s point of view, which leads to many unresolved arguments and feelings of resentment. When couples can’t resolve arguments or “press pause” when things get heated, they can snowball into huge fights, which leaves everyone feeling worse.
6. Marrying too young. Many couples divorce because they simply were not prepared for the responsibilities of marriage. Research suggests that couples who marry in their teens are at greater risk for divorce than couples who marry in their late 20s and early 30s.

At McCabe Russell, PA, our goal is to help families move through the divorce process with as little stress as possible. Our Fulton family law attorneys work to protect the best interests of you and your children. To speak with an experienced lawyer serving Howard County clients, please call 443-812-1435 or fill out our contact form. We also maintain offices in Columbia, Rockville and Bethesda.