Top Causes of Divorce

No one starts a marriage with the expectation of getting a divorce, even couples who prepared for the chance of one by protecting themselves with a prenuptial agreement. Yet, divorce is a common reality for many, and there are certain reasons why people often get divorced.

Top causes of divorce in California range from intentional harm done by one partner to another to irreconcilable differences. When your marriage needs to end, you need a Beverly Hills divorce lawyer to make sure that your legal rights are protected so you are set up for the best possible future ahead.

Legal Causes of Divorce in California

In the past, and still in some states, you needed to prove that one spouse was at fault for a divorce or did something wrong to cause the separation. Fault-based divorces often required proof of wrongdoing, based on traditional views of morality and religion. California represented the first state to pass no-fault divorce laws under the 1969 Family Law Act, opening up new options for couples who were facing issues unrelated to infidelity, abuse, lack of intimacy, or other traditionally cited faults.

Under California law, the legal system does not require specific grounds for divorce, allowing for no-fault divorces, where the court generally does not care about the reasons for the breakdown of a marriage. A no-fault divorce means that you do not have to prove that one partner did something wrong to cause the marriage to end. While you may be going through a situation of domestic abuse, infidelity, or other marital issues, a no-fault divorce allows you to keep those situations private. It traditionally does not influence how assets, finances, and parenting time are divided.

What Are Irreconcilable Differences?

The most commonly cited reason for a no-fault divorce in California is irreconcilable differences. This broad legal catch-all term includes any fundamental disagreements, differing beliefs, or issues in the marriage that have led to a breakdown beyond repair. 

What Is Permanent Legal Incapacity?

A less commonly cited legal ground for divorce, permanent legal incapacity applies if one spouse is declared incurably insane or legally incapacitated. This means that the spouse can no longer make sane decisions or contribute to the marriage due to a permanent condition. Medical or psychiatric testimony is typically required to prove permanent legal incapacity, to prove that the condition exists at the time of filing for divorce.

Top Causes of Divorce in Beverly Hills

While the legal grounds for divorce in California typically involve irreconcilable differences, there are always underlying reasons for the divorce. These personal and often complex issues cannot fully be summed up, but some of the most common issues leading to divorce include:

Financial Issues

It is said that money is the root of all evil. Whether that is true or not, money is the leading cause of conflicts in a marriage. Regardless of a couple’s income level, disputes regarding finances can cause bad fights and miscommunications. Differing spending habits and unaligned financial goals will lead to tension in a household if not resolved or dealt with appropriately. If one partner is an industrious saver while the other enjoys shopping or spending money on expensive things, divorce may be in the near future.

Couples that struggle with issues like hidden debt and financial infidelity, secret accounts, and purchases from their spouse, erode trust and lead to resentment that is often too deep to overcome. When dealing with a no-fault divorce due to financial issues, it is recommended to consult with a divorce attorney to be sure you are protecting your legal rights and assets and appropriately dividing debt in a divorce. 

Domestic Violence, Abuse, and Bullying

Domestic violence includes physical, emotional, and psychological abuse of a spouse, child, or another person living in the home. If you are in a situation of domestic violence, seek help through the California Courts Self-Help Center or the National Domestic Violence Hotline. They can help you with filing for a restraining order to make sure you and any children who may be involved get protection from the unsafe situation you may be in.

A marriage involving domestic violence, abuse, and bullying can destroy the fundamental basis of trust in a marriage. Abusers create an environment of fear and instability, making it impossible for the relationship to survive, and often causing the abused spouse to feel trapped and unable to leave their marriage. With the proper legal support and with a divorce lawyer by your side, seeking a divorce means breaking free of the cycle of abuse and ensuring the safety and well-being of the abused spouse, as well as any children. 

While no-fault divorces do not often take into account spousal actions, specific situations, like substance abuse, domestic violence, or criminal history, may influence the judge’s decision on custody, based on the best interests of the child.

Infidelity and Lack of Commitment

When a spouse chooses to pursue another partner in a hidden affair, their spouse may discover the betrayal, whether the infidelity was physical or emotional. The discovery of an affair shatters the trust and respect foundational to a marriage, often making it impossible to move forward, no matter how the cheating partner chooses to respond. 

Similarly, a lack of commitment from one or both partners can cause a marriage to unravel. If one or both partners are not fully invested in the success of the relationship, it can cause partners to feel unvalued, alone, and without reasons to continue the marriage. When you know a marriage is not going to work out, why continue the facade? A Beverly Hills divorce attorney can help you evaluate your specific situation and answer any questions you may have about pursuing a divorce. At S. L. Pitts, our attorneys want to help you move on with your life and find the next best step forward.

Lack of Intimacy

Intimacy, in its many forms, can be the glue that holds a marriage together. While physical affection and intimacy are often the first thought of in terms of lack of intimacy, they are not the sole cause. Both emotional intimacy and intellectual closeness are essential for connection with a partner. When a couple begins to grow apart from one another, they lose this intimate connection, feeling more like roommates than partners. This lack of closeness can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and resentment. 

This void can be difficult to fill and often prompts one or both partners to seek a legal separation or divorce. A lack of intimacy may even cause a spouse to try to find it elsewhere, leading to an emotional or physical affair, another top cause of divorce. If you have further questions before you are ready to speak with one of our divorce attorneys, check out our FAQs about divorce from other clients we have helped. Then give us a call when you are ready to discuss your specific situation.

Marrying Too Young and Marriage Expectations

A couple’s age at marriage does not always guarantee difficulties, but marrying at a young age is often linked with an increased risk of divorce. Whether pushed to marry early or simply having an idealistic look at marriage, those who marry early on in life may still be developing their own individual identity. When this happens, age can cause spouses to grow into different people with diverging interests, opinions, and priorities. What seemed like a perfect match in their late teens or early twenties may prove to be an unworkable partnership as they mature and their long-term expectations for life, career, and family change.

According to the United States Census Bureau, young adults have been choosing to live together with an unmarried partner more and more in the past few decades. This is a representation of how many have seen that marrying too young can lead to early divorce. No matter your age, if you have decided that enough is enough, speak with one of our divorce lawyers to determine your next steps out of your marriage.

Disagreements Regarding Parenting

Some spouses may have irreconcilable differences, starting with the ultimate choice of whether or not to raise children. If one partner wants children and the other does not, it can be a huge issue, especially for those who feel the deep desire to become a parent. 

In addition to this, conflicts over how to raise children are a significant source of marital issues. Disagreements regarding parenting can range from minor issues like bedtime routines to fundamental differences in parenting philosophies, religious upbringing choices, and discipline styles. If you are in a marriage that is struggling over disagreements regarding parenting, you may find mediation helpful. Speak with one of our divorce attorneys for more information.

Differing Core Values and Religions

When getting married, couples may overlook certain differences of opinion or core values, believing their spouse would agree with them. However, as time goes on, and especially if children enter the picture, core values and religious beliefs can lead to conflict. Some couples may successfully navigate these challenges, but for many, the inability to find common ground on fundamental issues proves to be a deal-breaker. If you and your spouse have irreconcilable differences regarding values and religion, speak with the divorce lawyers at S.L. Pitts to get your questions answered.

Alcohol Abuse and Drug Addiction

Substance abuse, including drug and alcohol addiction, can wreak havoc on a marriage. Addiction may lead to financial strain, emotional trauma, and could worsen domestic violence. Trust may be violated, and communication and intimacy can be affected as an addiction takes over their spouse’s life. Divorce may remain the only viable option for the non-addicted spouse to find peace and stability.

As the court’s focus is on the best interests of the child, troubles with the law may be taken into account when deciding on child support or parenting time. The best interests of a child include a safe and stable home life, which could be affected by issues like substance abuse or domestic violence. If you have further questions, contact one of our Beverly Hills divorce attorneys today to discuss your specific situation and how this top cause of divorce may affect it.

Why You Need a Divorce Attorney in Beverly Hills, CA

Having the right attorney on your side while going through a divorce is vital. When you work with a firm that prioritizes your needs, you can feel confident that you are making the best decisions for your future. At S.L. Pitts, we believe that an effective divorce attorney should be a compassionate advocate, as well as an experienced legal professional.

Our team’s core values include honest and empathetic communication, collaboration to develop the most effective strategy for your case, and keeping your well-being and desired outcome at the forefront of every choice. Divorces can feel like long, drawn-out processes. Our goal is to help you and your spouse reach a fair and swift agreement, allowing you to move forward with your life and on to your future. We will guide you through choices about your assets and children, making sure your voice is heard and your interests are protected through negotiations and in the final resolution.

Beyond the courtroom, we are here to support you. Our divorce attorneys in Beverly Hills, CA are here to answer your questions and help you prepare for this next chapter of your life. Our commitment is to provide a seamless transition, so you can focus on building a secure and positive future for you and your children.

Contact Our Beverly Hills Divorce Lawyers to Start Working Towards Your New Life

At S. L. Pitts, our team provides a high level of service and attention combined with decades of legal experience. No matter what the cause of your divorce, we are committed to protecting your rights from beginning to end. You can be confident that you are being treated fairly throughout the entire process.

Do not delay in starting the next stage of your life. To discuss your options and learn how we can help you, contact our team of family law attorneys.