Causes of Divorce

Since each marital relationship is unique, it is fair to say that each break-up has its own unique set of circumstances. However, there are some causes of divorce that are more common than others – infidelity or disagreements about money, for example. Regardless of the reason why you may be contemplating ending your marriage, you should discuss your situation with an experienced Miami divorce lawyer before moving forward. You need to fully understand your legal rights during the process of dissolving your marriage. Miami attorney Sandy T. Fox is Florida Bar Board Certified in marital and family law and will be glad to speak with you about your situation.

Even though Florida is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that neither party needs to prove fault as a basis for a divorce, one or both spouses may point the finger at the other, looking to assign blame for the demise of the marriage. Perhaps one party has engaged in adultery. Extra-marital affairs often lead to divorce, although cheating may be more a symptom of a failed relationship than the cause. Sites like Facebook and Tinder can make it all too easy for a discontented husband or wife to rekindle an old flame or seek out a new partner. In such a situation, a divorce court typically rules that the marriage has been irretrievably broken (without assigning fault to either side) and moves on to other issues, such as the division of property and debts.

One of the other common causes of divorce is friction when it comes to financial matters. The classic situation is when a saver marries a spender, and frequent fights erupt about how to handle money. Perhaps even worse is when two spenders join forces, resulting in a struggle to make ends meet. This can lead to excessive consumer debt and the stress that accompanies it, frequent arguing, spying on a partner, hiding purchases, and other unhealthy behavior.

As the divorce progresses, the court will need to decide who will receive assets like a home or other real estate, vehicles, retirement savings, and household furnishings. If the couple is in debt, the court will also be required to decide which spouse will be responsible for the various obligations. The divorce court’s ultimate goal is the “equitable distribution” of marital assets and debts, which can be a very contentious process, especially for a couple whose relationship has failed due to disagreements about money.

Other incompatibilities can also cause marital discord that leads to divorce. Lack of intimacy or other problems in the bedroom can take a heavy toll on a marriage, as can differences in parenting styles. If the parties cannot agree on matters such as child custody, visitation, and support during the divorce process, the court must step in and make the decision as to what is in the best interests of the parties’ children.

Marriages also may break up due to physical, verbal, or emotional abuse. While stronger laws against domestic violence have helped, both women and men still find themselves victims of abuse. Alcoholism, drug abuse, and even an extended physical or mental illness (such as depression or PTSD) can take their toll on a marriage.

For some couples, a divorce may happen because of disagreements about whether a spouse is truly committed to maintaining the relationship, a lack of equality in matters such as earning capacity or who does household chores, or a feeling of not being appreciated or not receiving adequate attention in the marriage. One or both spouses may have entered into the marriage with unrealistic expectations. It is also no secret that subsequent marriages fail at a higher rate than first marriages. Age may be a factor, as well as difficulty with blended family relationships.

Sometimes, people just fall out of love or grow apart. Regardless of the cause, the statistical fact is that about two out of every five marriages in the United States fail. If you are facing the dissolution of your marriage, you should talk to a lawyer who can help protect your future as you move forward to the next phase of life. Attorney Sandy T. Fox has an established family law practice in Miami and will be glad to schedule a consultation at your convenience. Call 800.596.0579 or contact us online to get started on your case. We also represent people in Aventura, Hollywood, and elsewhere in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.