Divorce is a complex process with various factors contributing to its occurrence. While every couple’s journey is unique, common themes often underlie the decision to end a marriage. If you are considering divorce in Texas, the Pearland divorce attorneys at Terry & Roberts can provide the support and guidance needed to navigate this complex process. Below we discuss the main causes of divorce.
Common Causes of Divorce
In Texas, there are seven official grounds for divorce, but beyond these legal grounds, couples often cite a range of other reasons for their marriages’ breakdown.
While not all these issues serve as formal grounds in court, they are often the driving forces behind a spouse’s decision to file for divorce.
1. Lack of Communication
Effective communication is the foundation of a strong marriage. When couples struggle to communicate, misunderstandings and conflicts can escalate quickly. Poor communication can manifest in various ways, such as avoiding difficult conversations, failing to listen actively, or using hurtful language. Over time, unresolved issues can lead to resentment, distance, and a breakdown in trust.
Many couples who come to the point of divorce report that they feel unheard or misunderstood by their partners. Sometimes, counseling can help couples rebuild communication skills, but when the communication gap becomes too wide, divorce may seem like the only option.
2. Financial Issues
According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), financial difficulties are one of the most common sources of stress in a marriage. Money problems can stem from various issues, such as job loss, medical bills, gambling addiction, debt, or differing spending habits. Even couples with sufficient income can experience tension if one partner feels that the other spends too freely or if they have opposing views on managing finances.
Financial incompatibility can create a power imbalance in the relationship, leading to feelings of control or insecurity. In cases where financial stress has led to significant arguments and resentment, couples may find it challenging to reconcile these differences, ultimately leading to divorce. Many relationships experience “spillover” stress where one area of concern affects other aspects of the marriage.
3. Infidelity and Trust Issues
Infidelity is a heartbreaking and, unfortunately, common cause of divorce. When one partner cheats, it often leads to emotional pain, a loss of trust, and betrayal. Even if both partners wish to move forward together, rebuilding trust can be challenging and lengthy.
Causes of infidelity can vary, but common contributing factors include lack of intimacy, emotional distance, and unmet needs within the relationship. While infidelity does not always lead to divorce, it requires a significant commitment from both partners to repair the damage. Sometimes, however, the hurt runs too deep, and the trust is too broken to continue in the marriage.
4. Growing Apart
Over time, people grow and evolve. When a couple’s goals, values, or interests diverge, it may lead to feelings of alienation and distance. What brought the couple together initially may no longer be as meaningful, especially if one partner has taken on new pursuits or undergone personal growth without the other.
Growing apart can occur subtly over years, which is why some couples only realize it after significant time has passed. While some partners work to reconnect through shared activities or counseling, others may find that the differences are too great to bridge, ultimately leading them to pursue a divorce.
5. Lack of Intimacy
Physical and emotional intimacy are crucial for maintaining a close relationship. When intimacy wanes, it can create feelings of rejection, loneliness, and dissatisfaction. A lack of intimacy may stem from physical issues, such as health problems or medication side effects, or emotional issues, such as stress, mental health struggles, or unresolved resentments.
A prolonged absence of intimacy can drive couples to seek a connection outside the marriage or feel unloved. While therapy and open communication can sometimes help restore intimacy, a lack of physical and emotional closeness often becomes a major factor contributing to divorce.
6. Constant Conflict and Fighting
All couples experience conflict, but when disagreements become constant, hostile, or unproductive, it can create a toxic environment. Constant fighting can lead to a pattern of anger and resentment that is difficult to break. Over time, this pattern of conflict can erode respect and empathy within the relationship.
Chronic arguments can be exhausting, and couples may come to a point where they feel it is healthier to part ways than continue in a conflict-filled relationship. For many, divorce is a way to escape negativity and pursue a more peaceful future.
7. Substance Abuse and Addiction
Substance abuse and addiction place immense strain on relationships. When one partner struggles with addiction to drugs, alcohol, gambling, or other compulsive behaviors, it often leads to a cycle of lying, hiding behavior, and broken promises. Addiction can drain family resources, cause financial instability, and put children at risk.
The non-addicted spouse often experiences feelings of betrayal, frustration, and helplessness, especially if multiple attempts at treatment have failed. Although some couples can work through addiction-related issues with support and rehabilitation, others find it too challenging to maintain a stable marriage amidst the chaos.
8. Differences in Parenting Styles
When children enter a marriage, they bring joy, challenges, and additional responsibilities. Parents are often deeply committed to their children’s well-being, but intense conflict can arise when they disagree on how to raise them. Disagreements over children’s discipline, education, values, and lifestyle choices can create a stressful and divided household.
In some cases, couples with vastly different parenting styles may find themselves unable to compromise, particularly if each partner feels strongly about their approach. The stress resulting from these disagreements can lead to divorce, with both parents ultimately hoping to find a more harmonious environment for their children.
9. Mental Health Issues
Depression, anxiety, and personality disorders can impact a marriage significantly. A partner struggling with mental health may find it difficult to engage in healthy communication, maintain intimacy, or cope with daily stressors. Their spouse may feel isolated, unsupported, or responsible for their partner’s well-being, which can be overwhelming.
Mental health challenges do not always lead to divorce, but they require understanding, patience, and often professional help. When untreated or unacknowledged, these issues can erode a marriage over time, leading couples to part ways.
10. Unrealistic Expectations
Many people enter marriage with certain expectations shaped by family, society, and media. Unrealistic expectations often cause disappointment and resentment. When partners feel that their spouse has not lived up to their expectations, it can create a sense of failure and frustration.
Sometimes, partners may pressure each other to meet high standards, leading to chronic dissatisfaction. When couples consistently let each other, it can create a divide that is difficult to bridge.
Contact Terry & Roberts if You Are Considering Divorce
If you are facing marital challenges or considering divorce, having experienced, compassionate legal support can make a significant difference. At Terry & Roberts, our Pearland family lawyers understand the complexities of divorce and are here to guide you through each step while protecting your rights and interests.
Whether you need help with filing, asset division, or child custody arrangements, we are committed to helping you move forward confidently. Contact us today to discuss your situation and options.