What are the Common Reasons People Divorce?

Divorce happens. The most recent data from the Texas Department of State Health Services shows that between 70,000 and 80,000 married couples get divorced in Texas each year. People may separate from their spouse under a wide range of different circumstances. Our Pearland divorce lawyer highlights five of the most common reasons why people get divorce.

Top Five Reasons People Get Divorced

  1. Infidelity (Extramarital Affair) Studies show that infidelity (affair) is cited as a causal factor in as many as 40% of divorce cases nationwide. In some cases, an affair is the main reason why a marriage fell apart. In other cases, infidelity may be, at least in part, an effect of deeper problems.
  2. Financial Problems Many married couples struggle with finances. Financial problems are another one of the most common reasons why couples get divorced in Texas. Discord over finances can put a lot of pressure and stress on a marriage—especially when there is disagreement over spending habits.
  3. Poor Communication Poor communication is at the heart of many marital problems. While it is certainly possible for married couples to improve their communication, a lack of effective communication can lead to serious problems and eventually the breakdown of a relationship.
  4. Lack of Intimacy Not all divorces are driven primarily by conflict. In some cases, a married couple may simply start to grow apart from each other. There may be a loss of the “spark” and the couple may struggle to find the intimacy that they need to continue the marriage.
  5. Consistent Fighting/Arguing It can be very hard to live in a toxic home environment with constant fighting, bickering, and arguing. A married couple that is constantly in conflict with each other may end up getting divorce because of the inability to resolve their issues. Of course, in some cases, professional counseling may help to rectify the matter… but it takes a good faith effort on the part of both spouses to achieve those benefits.

Texas Allows No-Fault Divorce: ‘Discord or Conflict of Personalities’

You do not actually have to provide a specific reason why you are getting divorced in Texas. While the state still has fault-based grounds for divorce, the large majority of divorcing couples in Texas opt to separate on no-fault grounds. Under Texas law (Tex. Fam. Code § 6.001), you can opt for a no-fault divorce on the grounds of insupportability. Neither spouse needs to prove wrongdoing by the other to justify the divorce. Instead, the marriage can be ended “because of discord or conflict of personalities.”

Call Our Pearland, TX Divorce Attorney for Legal Guidance and Support

At John Powell III, P.C., our Texas divorce lawyer has the professional experience that you can rely on in contested or uncontested divorce cases. If you are preparing to end your marriage, we are here to help you navigate the legal process. Call us now or connect with our legal team online for a fully private consultation. With an office in Pearland, we serve Brazoria, Galveston, and Fort Bend counties.