Common Causes of Divorce
November 6, 2024With approximately 5.7 divorces per 100,000 people, California has one of the highest divorce rates in the country. Although the number of people getting divorced has been declining in recent years in The Golden State, the issue is cause for concern. Given that the average length of the first marriage is merely 8.2 years, you may want to think twice before entering into a marital union.
In this article, the California divorce lawyers at Bamieh & De Smeth, PLC, discuss the common causes of divorce and how a divorce attorney can help you navigate the process.
Lack of Commitment
In 94.4% of marriages, at least one person cited lack of commitment as a major reason for the couple parting ways. Lack of commitment can mean a variety of things, including emotional withdrawal, difficulty resolving conflicts, or inability to discuss issues.
Infidelity
59.6% of individuals cited infidelity as a major culprit of their divorce. In a recent study, at least one partner in 88.8% of couples agreed that infidelity was the cause of their marriage falling apart. Many individuals admitted that their spouse's cheating was the breaking point in their marriage, leading to a downward spiral in an already deteriorating relationship.
Conflict
More than half of couples who get divorced agreed that conflict was a major contributor to them splitting up. Of these couples, the majority stated that arguments did not usually end peacefully. Moreover, couples stated that the frequency and intensity of arguments increased during the years, stemming from a failure to communicate effectively.
Getting Married Too Young
It is not uncommon for divorced couples to regret not dating longer before getting hitched. In 61.1% of couples, at least one partner specified that getting married too young was the main reason for the termination of their union. With the average cost of a wedding in the United States running at roughly $33,000, it is best to be completely certain before tying the knot.
Financial Problems
Somewhat surprisingly, many other issues were listed above financial problems as major causes of divorce. Out of 52 recently divorced individuals, 36.7% of individuals cited financial issues as a major cause for their divorce, with more than half of couples agreeing that financial problems heavily impacted their marriage. Although couples admitted that finances on their own were not the most pressing issue, many admitted that stressing about money did add tension to their relationship.
Navigating the Complexities of Divorce
The process of getting divorced is never simple, requiring that you work with someone who has a thorough understanding of how assets are distributed in the state in which you reside. California is considered a 50/50 state, meaning that assets acquired during the marriage are generally divided equally upon divorce.
However, there are exceptions in which you may not want to share assets. For instance, if you started your own business, even if it was funded with marital money, you may dispute an equal split. In this case, it is crucial that you speak with a member of our team to learn how we can help protect your property.
Reach Out to Our California Divorce Lawyers Today
Whether you have a high-asset divorce, a disagreement on how property should be divided, or anything in between, our California divorce lawyers are prepared to advocate on your behalf. At Bamieh & De Smeth, PLC, we understand the devastation that divorce can have on a family. If you and your spouse are in the process of getting a divorce, our California divorce lawyers are here to assist you. To learn more or schedule your free case evaluation, contact us online or by phone today.