On average, couples in the United States divorce after eight years of marriage. And while every relationship is unique, research has revealed common patterns that often lead to the dissolution of marriage.
Whether you are facing challenges in your own marriage or simply want to strengthen your bond with your spouse, recognizing these issues can be eye-opening. Here are the three most prevalent reasons why couples in America decide to end their marriages.
Infidelity
Cheating is a painful experience that can shake the very foundation of your relationship. Aside from trauma, it can lead to the loss of trust and respect, which can be difficult to overcome in any relationship.
If you are dealing with infidelity in your marriage and are considering divorce, it is important to understand how infidelity might affect your legal situation. In Wisconsin, a no-fault state, cheating does not impact property division during divorce. However, it may affect child custody decisions as courts prioritize children’s well-being. They will look into how a parent’s infidelity and any resulting new relationships impact the children.
Abuse
In recent years, there has been a rise in divorces initiated by women. This trend coincides with growing awareness and protests against domestic violence nationwide and globally. Movements such as #MeToo have empowered many women to take a stand against abuse and seek help.
Financial conflict
If you and your partner have different spending habits, financial priorities or debt levels, it can create a tense environment in your own home. For instance, if one partner has significant debt, it can develop a sense of burden and responsibility for the other partner, leading to resentment. When you leave financial problems unaddressed, it can seep into other areas of your life, causing communication to break down and intimacy to suffer.
Beyond the tipping point
Divorce is rarely a simple decision. Many find themselves struggling with different challenges until they reach a breaking point. If you are facing these difficulties, remember to acknowledge the complexities of your situation. By doing so, you can lay the groundwork for a healthier future, whether that means working on your marriage or moving forward separately.