Four Common Reasons Why Couples Divorce

November 30, 2018
David Roop
Divorce
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divorce People divorce for a variety of reasons. The reason why you divorce is personal; you are under no obligation to tell anybody, not even the court (if seeking a Virginia no-fault and/or uncontested divorce case), why you have chosen to end your marriage. If you do not want to disclose the reason(s) for your divorce to the court – or if you do not feel you have a “fault” reason, just that you no longer wanted to be married and want to file for divorce– you must demonstrate either (i) that you have lived apart from your spouse for six months, have no minor children and have fully resolved your divorce case by a final separation agreement or (ii) that you and your spouse have lived separate and apart without marital cohabitation consistently for one year or more with at least one of the parties to have the desire to remain separated during the same time period. In Virginia, you also have the option to pursue a fault-based divorce. With this type of divorce, you must provide evidence to support your fault based claim.

Below are four of the most common reasons why couples choose to end their marriages. It is possible for some couples to recover from these challenges, but many instead opt to file for divorce. Sometimes, a couple address these marital problems by entering a post-nuptial agreement in lieu of divorce. These options should be explored with an experienced Virginia Family Lawyer to ensure an informed decision is made.

Infidelity

Infidelity, also known as adultery, is the act of cheating on your spouse. Adultery under Virginia Law requires sexual intercourse during marriage. Other forms of cheating are not fault based divorce but are negative factors that led to the end of the marriage under a no fault case, which can be relevant to the Court’s determination of equitable distribution and spousal support under the Code of Virginia. Infidelity is generally less relevant in custody matters.

Financial Stress

Financial difficulties can make anybody stressed. When couples cannot work together to resolve their stress and the financial difficulties that create it, divorce can become an option. This is especially true when one partner wants to fix their financial difficulties by changing their habits and potentially filing for bankruptcy or undergoing credit counseling and the other refuses to cooperate, instead continuing to make choices that make the couple’s financial situation more difficult.

Poor Communication

A couple’s communication skills and styles can be what saves their marriage in times of difficulty – or can be what drives them to divorce. Communication is more than just expressing yourself; it is how you relate to others and how you resolve conflicts. Poor communication skills can make it impossible to resolve conflicts, which then end marriages.

Growing Apart

Couples grow apart for a variety of reasons. Some develop new interests and outlooks on life that make them incompatible with their partners. This is often the case with couples who marry young and find that after years together, they no longer connect like they once did.

Sometimes, a major lifestyle change drives a couple apart, like having a child or moving to a new city.

Work with an Experienced Divorce Lawyer

If you know your marriage is over and divorce is the best option for you, your spouse, and your children, it is time to start working with an experienced divorce lawyer. Get started on your case today by contacting our team at Roop Xanttopoulos Babounakis & Klam, PLLC today to set up your initial legal consultation in our office.