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DIVORCE LAW

Common Causes of Divorce
By the Divorce Lawyers at Smith & Garg LLC, serving The Woodlands, Spring, Houston, Conroe, Humble, Kingwood, Tomball, Cypress, Huntsville, Westchase, Southwest, Sugar Land, West Oaks, Alief, Memorial, River Oaks, Stafford, Katy, and Missouri City.

There are many factors that compel an individual or couple to decide to permanently dissolve their marriage. In most cases, the causes of divorce are complex and are specific to a couple's relationship, their problems, and their own life experiences. In 2006, the most common causes of divorce which were cited in divorce Petitions were for “irreconcilable differences,” “irretrievable breakdown,” or “incompatibility” all of which are considered “no-fault” reasons for divorce recognized in many states.

GROUNDS FOR A DIVORCE

When divorce because of fault or specific legal grounds, there are a number of different causes cited, which vary from state to state. The causes of divorce that are considered viable include: cruelty, abandonment, adultery, incurable insanity, drug or alcohol addiction, felony conviction or incarceration, and an established period of separation.

COMMON REASONS FOR DIVORCE

Because the vast majority of divorces are granted on a no-fault basis, it is difficult to evaluate the divorce trends with regard to cause. Many times, causes of divorce are often complex because there are multiple factors which can lead to the failure of a marriage such as: quality and time expended in the premarital relationship, the partner's different relationship styles, communication problems, lack of commitment, infidelity, financial problems, differences in parenting styles, growth and change life priorities, and abusive or neglectful behaviors.

FACTORS LEADING TO DIVORCE

Even before the decision to divorce arrives, there are a number factors which can influence and/or propel a couple toward a divorce. The quality and amount of time involved in a couple's premarital relationship can be a good indicator of later causes of divorce. Problems that develop before marriage do not disappear and often lead to the causes of divorce down the road. These problems can often even amplify themselves during a marriage. Interestingly, statistics show that couples who cohabitate before marriage have a higher chance of divorce. This may be a direct result of a couple's more relaxed approach to marriage after cohabitation or pressure to marry after cohabitation. On the other hand, it has been argued that there is a substantial benefit to cohabitation before marriage in that a couple is able to familiarize themselves to the customs and habits of one another.

SPOUSES’ FAMILY

Another significant factor in divorce is family. People whose parents are divorced are twice as likely to divorce their own spouses. Experts have concluded that failure of a person’s parental marriage can lead to the causes of divorce because these individuals have seen an example of marriage which ultimately ended in divorce. Leadership by example seems to be a pretty powerful imprint on the human psyche.

LEGAL HELP

When the causes of divorce lead two partners to have considerable problems resolving the terms of divorce (such as division of assets and liabilities, child custody and support, alimony, etc) the help of a legal professional can be extremely valuable. A legal expert who has training and experience representing people in divorce cases can protect and maximize your legal interests.

If you would like to learn more about the causes of divorce and your legal rights and options, please call Smith & Garg, LLC at 281-210-0010 or use our Contact Form.