The course of true love never did run smooth.
Relationships may be the key to happiness but recent statistics show that 1 in 5 UK marriages end before their 10th wedding anniversary.
There are many societal reasons for this. Statistically, people are living longer, staying single longer and having children later, while a decline in religious beliefs mean there is less stigma surrounding divorce.
The recent rise of the ‘no fault’ divorce may also play a part with new government legislation enabling couples to go through legal proceedings without apportioning blame. This is a move designed to make the process more amicable.
But, what are the most common reasons among UK couples for divorce and when should you be seeking divorce help?
Basic Incompatibility
One of the most common reasons for divorce is simply two people not being right for each other. Often, this can become apparent once the initial thrill of romance fades or when irreconcilable differences overlooked at the start of the relationship become unworkable.
Couples fundamentally incompatible may be better off divorcing early as opposed to trying to rescue a loveless marriage which may end up in resentment or infidelity.
Infidelity
A study from YouGov shows that one in five British adults admit to having an affair while nearly a third confessed to thinking about it.
Unsurprisingly then, infidelity remains a leading cause of divorce in the UK as while some couples can work through it – many can’t. Statistically, 7.5% of men and 8.7% of women cited adultery as grounds for divorce in 2021.
Learning of adultery can be devastating for the marriage and lead to a breakdown in trust between romantic partners.
Previously, proving adultery could be used as one of the five reasons for divorce, however this is no longer needed under new no-fault rules.
Money Problems
Perhaps this has never been felt more prominently with UK inflation currently above 10% and many couples feeling the pinch.
Money can be a frequent topic of argument for couples with difficulties arising over mismatched financial priorities, credit card debt, disparity in earnings and financial infidelity.
While not the most romantic of talking points, couples should disclose their financial situations prior to getting married while communicating honestly and effectively to avoid tension over finances during the marriage.
Communication Breakdown
As well as disagreements over money, some couples may just not communicate well. This may encompass different levels of introversion, how partners resolve and how much individuals value their own privacy.
Often this can be informed by a partner’s own upbringing. For instance, if a person has grown up in quite an antagonistic family home, this may cause problems for someone who is non-confrontational. However, similarly if both partners are conflict avoidant, this could lead to arguments brushed ‘under the carpet’ and a larger confrontation down the line.
Personal problems
Finally, one partner may have problematic personal circumstances which simply cannot be resolved within the confines of the relationship. This could include mental health difficulties, trust issues or addictions to alcohol, gambling or drugs.
Another factor could be the person’s dysfunctional family set up such as intrusive parents or difficulties surrounding childcare from previous relationships.
Statistically, in 2021, there were 113,394 same-sex divorces, a marked rise from 2019 and 2020. Same-sex divorces have also seen an upswing.
The most common reason for divorce in same-sex marriages is unreasonable behaviour – when a relationship reaches the point of no return. It is perhaps the most common reason because it covers a lot of ground.
With the advent of the no-fault divorce in 2022, unreasonable behaviour is expected to reduce as simply filing for divorce is seen as a reasonable grounds for divorce.
Sources
https://wslaw.co.uk/divorce-clinic/
The nine most common reasons couples get divorced | The Independent | The Independent
Rising cost of living in the UK - House of Commons Library (parliament.uk)
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