Every divorce is different, but they often involve a couple no longer in love. When the spouses get along things should be fine, but they grow apart over time. Perhaps, the marriage loses focus once the children are grown and out of the home. These are some of many valid reasons for a split.
There are, however, other more cut and dried reasons for ending the relationship. Seven commonly recurring examples are:
- Physical abuse: Marriages that involve physical violence are unsafe for the victim and the children. Rather than getting a life partner who loves and cherishes you, the abusive spouse makes the marriage seem like a living hell.
- Emotional abuse: There may be no visible bruises, but demeaning behavior, name-calling, putdowns, psychological drama and other harmful actions can also be painful.
- Incapable of love: Some people are good housemates, but their emotional distance indicates that they lack the capacity to love. It includes such behaviors as the inability to show affection, have empathy for a spouse, share emotions, or avoid the spouse altogether.
- Untreated mental illness: Marriage involves the strongest of bonds, in which the partners bring out the best in each other. A partner unwilling to address their own depression, addiction or other issues can make it impossible to maintain a healthy partnership.
- Infidelity: Extra-marital affairs are one of the most common causes of divorce, but they can be a symptom of other underlying problems. Either way, infidelity causes trust issues that often ultimately doom the marriage.
- Finances: Couples often have different but aligned financial goals, but uncontrolled spending habits or living beyond their means can strain a marriage immensely. One spouse managing the spending problem can also lead to control issues.
- Lack of equality: Marriage, where one spouse is dominant or makes all the decisions, isn’t a partnership and can lead to resentment.
Is it time to make a change for the better?
Many people put off big decisions or are uncomfortable making such decisions, but the significant issues outlined above are some of the many valid reasons for filing for divorce. Those with questions or concerns about the process can get knowledgeable and practical guidance they need from an experienced, Board-Certified Texas Family Law expert attorney.