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Michigan Family Law Blog

What Are the Top 5 Causes of Divorce?

Posted by Cameron Goulding | Nov 04, 2020 | 0 Comments

Couples file for divorce for many reasons. However, some reasons are more common than other reasons. Regardless of the reason for the divorce, it is always a good idea to consult with a Michigan divorce attorney before making any decisions that could impact your future.

Five Common Reasons for Divorce

Five of the top reasons for divorce are:

1. Extramarital Affairs or Infidelity

Spouses can often overcome other problems in a marriage, but many individuals draw the line at infidelity. Having an extramarital affair can destroy all trust between the spouses. Even if a spouse forgives the other spouse for having an affair, the trust may never return. Spouses who cannot trust each other are often unable to stay together.

2. Financial Problems

Financial problems are another common reason why couples separate. A couple may be able to weather a financial crisis together. Still, if their financial management styles differ, they may not be able to weather the day-to-day issues regarding money.

For example, a person who places great value on saving for retirement, paying off debts, and controlling spending may find it challenging to work with a person who is a “spender.” If spouses cannot find a way to reconcile their different beliefs about managing finances, arguments, tension, and frustration can cause a breakdown of the marriage.

3. Substance Abuse

Substance abuse can also destroy the marital bond. Spouses may not cite substance abuse as the reason for the divorce. However, substance abuse can lead to other issues that result in divorce. The risk of financial problems, domestic violence, extramarital affairs, and other problems can increase if a spouse abuses alcohol or drugs.

In many cases, the spouse who does not have a substance abuse problem encourages the other spouse to seek help. However, if a person does not admit he or she has a substance abuse problem, the likelihood of that person seeking help is low. Eventually, the spouse without the substance abuse problem realizes he or she can no longer remain in the marriage. It is not a lack of love, but more of a lack of bond between the spouses because of the abuse that results in the divorce.

4. Changes in Physical Appearance

Spouses do not want to admit that when their spouse gains weight or changes in physical appearance that it could be a reason for divorce. However, gaining weight can cause other problems in the marriage that can lead to the spouses drifting apart.

Low self-esteem caused by weight gain can create problems with intimacy. It can also create problems if a spouse does not want to socialize or can no longer participate in the same activities because of the weight gain. The other spouse may develop a separate life, which can lead to extramarital affairs.

5. Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse continues to be a serious problem in the United States. Physical, emotional, and financial abuse is common in many marriages. The abuse is not always the result of a person being “bad,” but can stem from severe emotional issues and trauma that the person has not addressed.

Regardless of why a person is an abuser, the abuse cannot be tolerated. Abused spouses need to remove themselves from the situation and seek help.

Individuals can get information about resources to help them escape domestic violence by contacting the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE(7233).

Contact a Michigan Divorce Attorney for More Information

The steps you take now could impact your divorce settlement. Contact our Michigan divorce attorney now to discuss the steps to take to protect your best interests and the best interest of your children.

About the Author

Cameron Goulding

A native of Oakland County, Michigan, family lawyer Cameron C. Goulding has been providing counseling and legal services of the highest caliber to individuals and families in Southeastern Michigan for over 24 years. Mr. Goulding grew up in Oakland County, Michigan and graduated from Birmingham G...

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