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What are the Highest Reasons for Divorce?

With the change to No-Fault Divorce Law in 2022, people donโ€™t need to give a reason for wanting a divorce other than it has irretrievably broken down.

With it now much easier to obtain a divorce, many people wonder what the main reasons are for couples to end their marriage. Some divorces happen because of a betrayal like an affair, while others result from the gradual erosion of the relationship over timeย 

In this article, we explore the most common reasons for a divorce in the UK.

Old reasons required for divorce

Before No-fault divorce law was introduced, the Petitioner (person starting the divorce proceedings) would need to convince the courts that their marriage had irretrievably broken down, using one of these five reasons:

  • Adultery
  • Unreasonable behaviour
  • Desertion
  • Two years separation with consent
  • Five years separation (no consent required)

Most common reasons for divorceย 

Those in healthy relationships often wonder why people get divorced. With the introduction of No-fault divorce law, people no longer need to give a specific reason for applying for a divorce. They only need to state that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. Here are some of the most common reasons for divorce in the UK:ย 

Adultery

Prior to No-fault divorce law being introduced, adultery was one of the 5 legal grounds needed to apply for a divorce. In legal terms, adultery referred explicitly to a married man or woman having sexual intercourse with someone of the opposite sex. As a result, this meant that many behaviours often thought of as adultery, such as kissing, masturbation, fellatio, sexting, and virtual sex, did not count as a valid legal reason to get divorced.ย 

Under the old law, proving adultery was challenging, with only 9% of men and 10% of women actually using adultery according to the research from the Office of National Statistics.

But with the changes to the law, you no longer need to prove adultery and are now able to divorce someone if you believe they have acted unfaithfully to you. Adultery is one of the highest reasons for divorce in the UK.

Financial Issues

Money problems are a common reason marriages end. Being in debt or struggling to make ends meet each month can put a huge strain on a relationship. With the rising cost of living, household budgets are tighter than ever. Financial stress can easily lead to arguments and when a couple canโ€™t agree on how to handle finances, whether to save, invest or spend, this can cause the marriage to break down. Over time, these disagreements can leave couples feeling like they are no longer compatible.ย 

Addictions

Whether itโ€™s an alcohol or gambling addiction, or even something else, it can put immense pressure on a relationship. Common addictions include:ย 

  • Alcohol addictionย 
  • Gambling addiction
  • Drug addiction
  • Sex addiction
  • Pornography addiction
  • Phone addiction
  • Gaming addictionย 
  • Food addictionย 

These are the most common addictions that can erode trust in a relationship.ย 

Gambling addictions, for example, can lead to serious financial issues, including large debts. Some partners will try to hide any debts which can come as a huge shock when revealed. Those struggling with an addiction may also neglect their partner or family, which can cause deep emotional pain. The strain of having a partner with an addiction can become overwhelming and is a common reason people choose to divorce.ย ย ย 

Poor Communication

Communication is the hallmark of a healthy relationship. It allows you to be open with your partner and discuss any issues youโ€™re having, instead of bottling things up inside. Couples that donโ€™t communicate openly with each other can see their marriage deteriorate over time. It can cause people to feel resentful, neglected and incompatible with their partner. Itโ€™s no surprise that poor communication is a common reason people choose to get divorced.ย 

Lack of commitmentย 

A strong and healthy marriage requires commitment from both spouses. If one person is not putting in the effort, the balance of the relationship begins to break down. This lack of commitment can be shown by avoiding responsibilities, neglecting quality time together, or no longer making an effort to resolve conflicts.ย 

Over time, the partner who is still trying can feel unappreciated, frustrated and emotionally exhausted. Eventually, they may realise this situation is not sustainable and look for a divorce.ย ย 

Lack of intimacyย 

Emotional and physical intimacy are key to a healthy relationship. Without them, couples can start to feel distant from each other, which often leads to deeper issues. A lack of intimacy may leave a partner feeling lonely, sad, or angry, and it can gradually diminish their self-worth and self-esteem. Some spouses may look for intimacy elsewhere which can often lead to infidelity. This growing disconnect can cause many marriages to break down.

Trust Issues

Trust is the foundation of any marriage. If spouses canโ€™t trust each other, it can severely damage a relationship. Trust issues can develop from past betrayals, misunderstandings or personal insecurities.ย 

Trust concerns can arise from many areas, but they are usually connected to fidelity, financial decisions, and broken promises. When one spouse doesnโ€™t trust their partner, it can result in frequent arguments and emotional withdrawal. In some cases, it can even result in spying, with a spouse checking their partner’s messages or monitoring their activities. This constant suspicion can prevent honest communication and intimacy from happening.

Rebuilding trust requires clear and open communication. Professional support like marriage counselling may even be required. If not addressed, ongoing trust issues can ultimately cause the relationship to break down and result in divorce.ย 

Abuse

Abuse can occur in a variety of different forms including:ย 

  • Physical abuse or violenceย 
  • Emotional or psychological abuseย 
  • Coercive or controlling behaviour
  • Financial control or exploitationย 

Some people may choose to endure an abusive marriage for a number of different reasons. They may fear the abuser will harm them, their children, or even themselves. Others may also lack the financial resources to support themselves, or any children they have. In situations like this, divorce often is the only path for victims to reclaim control over their lives, protect themselves and their loved ones.

If you feel like you or your children are in immediate danger, you should call 911 now.

You can also contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline for support and guidance.

Growing apart

Couples who have been together for many years will sometimes drift apart. As people grow older, their interests and priorities can change, leaving them feeling disconnected from their partner.ย 

When children grow up and leave home, this can act as a catalyst for couples to reevaluate their relationship. With parental obligations reduced, the extra alone time couples have together can highlight any pre-existing issues that had been previously ignored. At this stage, some couples realise the relationship is not what it once was and feel the need for a big change in their lives, often leading to separation.ย 

Should I get a divorce?

Deciding to divorce your partner is a major decision that requires careful consideration. Telling your partner that you want a divorce can fundamentally change your relationship forever. If youโ€™re unsure about taking this step, you should take the time to reflect on the situation. If possible, have honest conversations with your spouse to see if there are things that can be worked on. You might even consider marriage counselling, which can help identify issues that can be resolved.ย 

If you believe divorce is the best option, weโ€™re here to help. Our No-fault divorce service is an online platform that makes the process fast, simple and affordable, without the expensive legal fees a traditional divorce will involve.ย 

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