What Causes Divorce?
Rarely do couples enter into marriage thinking that it will end in divorce. The sad truth, however, is that many marriages do end in this way. While every divorce is unique to the relationship between the divorcing couple, there are some life events that are closely associated with divorce.
Extraordinary Circumstances
It is established that life is full of highs and lows, but there are some extraordinary events that can shake even the most stable relationships. These can include difficulties such as a child with profound special needs or a serious illness, the death of a child, a spouse’s serious illness, or significant financial setbacks. While some couples pull closer together during times of adversity, others cannot withstand the emotional upheaval, and their relationships deteriorate.
Medical Crisis
Sometimes couples turn to divorce to help with extraordinary financial considerations. In fact, a Texas couple recently determined that getting a divorce was the only way to cover their child’s medical expenses for a rare chromosomal disorder that leaves her in need of constant care. The couple’s income was too high for Medicaid and too low to pay for the girl’s medical needs. Once divorced, the mother would qualify for Medicaid – as an unemployed mother of two children. This is an extremely tragic example of exactly how unique the circumstances leading up to a divorce can be.
Finances
Money plays an important role in all of our lives, and married couples have to find a way to deal with money concerns in tandem. People often have very different strategies and concerns when it comes to finances, and finding the right balance as a couple can be a significant stressor.
Infidelity
Marriage is based on trust and commitment, and when one partner is unfaithful, it can put an insurmountable strain on the marriage. While some couples can move past such infidelities and build an even stronger relationship in the aftermath, other couples move irrevocably toward divorce.
Addiction
Addiction affects many, many people – and this includes the addict’s loved ones and families. When one spouse has addiction issues, it affects the entire family. Addiction often renders the sufferer incapable of fully participating in a marital relationship and divorce often follows.
Irreconcilable Differences
The phrase – irreconcilable differences – might sound like a cliché, but it is actually quite apt. Many couples simply cannot reconcile their differences. Life is complicated, and the many transitions brought on by marriage – including children and all that they entail – has a way of complicating things further. While many couples work through these complications and strengthen their relationships in the process, others simply cannot find common ground.