Couples in Washington may be encouraged to know that the rate of marriage breakups has fallen over the past few years. However, analysts continue to study the reasons why couples divorce. When asked about the factors that led to their divorce in a recent poll, 75 percent cited that one or the other spouse was not fully committed to the marriage. That lack of commitment may have contributed to the immediate causes of their breakups.
More than half of divorced couples admitted that infidelity and lack of communication eroded their relationships. While more couples are waiting until their late twenties or thirties to marry, those who marry younger may have a greater chance of divorce. Perhaps some of these couples could avoid serious conflict if they had more family support and counseling about how marriage works. In fact, many couples polled mentioned that they lacked conflict resolution skills that are essential to a successful marriage.
Personal issues like substance abuse and religious differences are also common factors in the high divorce rate. Domestic violence was a factor in nearly one quarter of the divorced individuals polled. This is not limited to physical abuse but also emotional abuse. Often, the abuse in a relationship went in cycles that escalated over time.
While each couple has its own difficulties, some find it more difficult to overcome the most common struggles, such as financial troubles and prolonged illness. When a Washington couple determines it is time to end the marriage, there are many factors to consider, including child custody and financial issues. Seeking the assistance of a family law attorney is often a wise step to obtaining a fair divorce settlement.
The Law Offices of Stacy D. Heard, PLLC
