Common Causes of Divorce in Texas

The breakdown of a marriage is heartbreaking, especially when you cannot find a way to resolve your differences. In some situations, filing for divorce may be the best solution for you and your family. Divorce is a major life transition, and it should be treated with compassion and understanding. At the Law Office of Kyle Whitaker, our Fort Worth divorce attorney recognizes the challenges that divorce poses. If you are considering divorce, Attorney Kyle Whitaker is happy to sit down with you to discuss your legal options.

Lack of Commitment

When an individual feels that their spouse is not committed to the relationship, this can create a large divide between them. In a recent sample of divorced couples, 75% reported a lack of commitment as a major contributor to ending their marriage. Although larger issues are at play, a lack of commitment from either partner is usually the sign of a failed union.

Ongoing Conflict

Over half of the couples stated that continuous conflict was the final breaking point in their marriage. These couples admitted that even when arguments ended, no issues were actually resolved. Frequent conflicts are a sign of communication breakdown, but the lasting resentment is usually the final nail in the coffin.

Cheating or Infidelity

Another common reason for divorce is cheating or infidelity, which impacts roughly 88% of couples. Of these couples, almost 60% of individuals admitted that “one-night stands” and extramarital affairs were the final straw. Strangely, only 31.3% of divorced couples agreed that infidelity was a major cause of terminating their union.

Marrying Too Young

At least one spouse in 61.1% of divorced couples felt that getting married too young contributed to their marriage failure. By marrying at a young age, these individuals had personal growth that no longer aligned with their spouse’s ambitions. These couples believe that if they had waited a few years, they would have been able to make more responsible decisions regarding marriage. Sadly, numerous studies have shown that your risk of divorce substantially increases if you get married before age 25.

Financial Issues

Financial problems can place a significant strain on even the best relationship. 36.7% of participants felt that financial issues were a major contributor to divorce. Some individuals relayed that financial issues were connected to other personal issues, such as substance abuse and health problems.

Substance or Drug Abuse

Substance addiction plagues many people, but is more prevalent in individuals who are divorced, separated, or widowed. Substance abuse was another “final straw” reason for divorce, with many participants claiming that it prevented their partner from working to save the marriage. Unfortunately, 33.3% of couples agreed that substance abuse was a major reason for their divorce.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can involve physical or emotional abuse, and it was cited by 40% of partners as contributing to their divorce. Participants relayed that the abuse started slowly, built over time, and would come in waves. By the end of their union, the domestic violence had reached overwhelming levels.

Health Problems

Unfortunately, not every married couple remains together “in sickness and in health.” Of those recently divorced, 25% of partners admitted that health problems were a major contributor to them calling it quits. In many cases, this is linked to financial issues, continuous conflict, and infidelity. Health issues were a contributing factor to divorce in older couples. Although an ailing husband is unlikely to motivate a wife to divorce, the same does not hold true for an ailing wife. When the tables are turned, a husband is six percent more likely to file for divorce if his wife falls ill.

Speak with Our Fort Worth Divorce Lawyer

Many issues can drive a wedge through what was once a healthy relationship. In some cases, there may be too much damage to repair your marriage. At the Law Office of Kyle Whitaker, our Fort Worth divorce attorney brings compassion, knowledge, and experience to every divorce case. If you would like to discuss your divorce case, contact us online or by phone.