Some Life Events Can Force a Couple to Consider Divorce

 Posted on December 01, 2015 in Divorce

Have you ever had an experience with another person after which you felt closer than ever? Whether it was a magical vacation, witnessing a historic event, or any other occasion, you may have known immediately that your relationship with that person would never be the same. While many certainly have had such an experience, for many others, certain events may have the exact opposite effect. Somewhat surprisingly, some of the very same experiences that pull some people closer together may, in fact, plant a seed of division that ultimately drives others apart. Between friends and family members, the relationship may simply cool off, but for a married couple, such life events may push the spouses toward divorce.

In Sickness and in Health…

A happy, productive marriage takes a great deal of work from both spouses. When one spouse develops a serious health condition or chronic illness, however, the relationship can change quickly. An illness or disability often means that one partner is expected to shoulder more of the responsibility for maintaining the marriage, which some individuals are just not able to handle. Health concerns can also create significant financial challenges as well. Interestingly, though, the likelihood of divorce due to a spouse’s illness seems to be directly affected by which spouse gets sick, as divorce rates go up when it is the wife who falls ill, but remain about the same when it is the husband.

Having Children

You might think that having children together would be one of those experiences that pulls a married couple closer together. According to at least one study, however, some two-thirds of married couples reported decreased marital satisfaction within three years of their first child being born. The stress and pressure of raising a child, particularly an infant, can bring to light communication issues, as well as a couple’s ability—or inability—to compromise. Obviously, countless couples are able to withstand the difficulties of raising children and to restore marital happiness, but not without a great deal of struggle.

Empty Nesters

On the other end of the spectrum from introducing children into the relationship is the prospect of a couple’s children growing up and moving away. Many spouses have invested so heavily in raising their children, they have actually lost sight of their relationship with one another. When the children are grown and start adult lives of their own, the married couple may be faced with the reality that they no longer share many things in common. Experts suggest that this may be one of the driving forces behind the marked increase in divorce among older Americans.

Other Possible Factors

There are other experiences that could make divorce more likely as well, including a traumatic event, like the death of child, living apart, and infidelity, but, the impact to a relationship caused by any one of these will depend entirely on the individual circumstances. None are guaranteed to break up a marriage, just as there is nothing that works every time in bringing couples closer together.

If you are considering a divorce due to a particular life event or the cumulative effect of many factors, it is important to have an experienced Arlington Heights family law attorney at your side. Contact the Cosley Law Office today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We will help you understand your options and assist you in making the difficult decisions that are necessary for you to move forward with your life.

Sources:

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/life-events-lead-divorce/story?id=29960726

https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/she-the-people/wp/2014/10/08/till-death-do-us-part-no-way-gray-divorce-on-the-rise/