No one ever said that marriage was easy. It can be downright hard at times. But when the going gets tough, most couples can work through their problems and become stronger on the other side
Unfortunately, not all marriages are so lucky. For some couples, the problems become too great, eventually calling it quits. While there are many reasons a couple might choose to divorce, here are five of the most common grounds for divorce: adultery, abuse, addiction, abandonment, and irreconcilable differences.
1. Adultery
Adultery is one of the most common grounds for divorce. It simply means that one spouse had an affair with someone else. If your spouse has cheated on you, it can be devastating. Not only does it hurt emotionally, but it can also damage your trust in your spouse.
Most people try to keep this a secret, so their spouses hire private investigators for infidelity to catch them in the act. If you think your spouse might be cheating, it’s essential to trust your gut and look into it. Once you have proof, you can decide if you want to work through the issue or get a divorce.
You can also get a divorce if your spouse had an affair before you were married. This is called “marital infidelity,” and it can be used as grounds for divorce even if you forgave your spouse at the time.
2. Abuse
Another common ground for divorce is abuse. Unfortunately, abuse is often a part of a cycle. The abuser feels powerless and uses violence to regain control. The victim feels scared and helpless. This cycle can be hard to break, so many abuse victims seldom choose to leave their abusive spouses.
If you are being abused, it’s essential to get help. There are many resources available, such as hotlines and shelters. You don’t have to go through this alone. You also have the option to get a divorce.
Depending on the severity of the abuse, you might be able to get an annulment or a divorce on the grounds of mental cruelty. This can be difficult to prove, so it’s important to talk to a lawyer and get all the evidence you can. Ask witnesses to write down what they saw and get a restraining order if necessary.
3. Addiction
Addiction can wreak havoc on a marriage. Not only does it affect the addict, but it also affects the spouse. An addiction can lead to lying, cheating, and financial problems. It can also cause emotional distance. Many spouses try to help their partners through addiction, but sometimes it’s just too much.
If you’re married to an addict, you might feel scared, alone, and helpless. But there is help available. Many resources, such as support groups and therapy, can help you deal with your situation. You also have the option to get a divorce.
When dealing with addiction, it’s crucial to get help from a professional. If you’re considering getting divorced, you should also talk to a lawyer to determine your options.
4. Abandonment
When a spouse decides to leave, it’s called abandonment. This can be physical or emotional. Physical abandonment is when your spouse leaves you without any way to contact them. Emotional abandonment is when your spouse is physically present but emotionally distant. Either way, it can be hurtful and confusing.
Abandonment is often used as grounds for divorce. If your spouse has left you, you might feel like you have no other choice but to get a divorce. But there are other options. You can try to work things out with your spouse or choose to stay in the marriage.
Getting help from a therapist or counselor is essential if you decide to stay in the marriage. Abandonment can be a traumatic experience, so you’ll need to work through your feelings.
5. Irreconcilable Differences
If you and your spouse can’t seem to get along, you might want to consider getting a divorce. This is called “irreconcilable differences.” It simply means that you and your spouse are too different to make the marriage work. During a divorce, irreconcilable differences are often used as grounds for divorce.
Compared to other grounds for divorce, irreconcilable differences are relatively easy to prove. You don’t need to provide evidence or witnesses. All you need to do is show that you and your spouse cannot get along. For many couples, this is enough to get a divorce.
You must talk to a lawyer if you’re considering getting a divorce. They can help you understand the grounds for divorce in your state and how to proceed with your case. Divorce is a difficult decision, but sometimes it’s the best option for everyone involved. With a lawyer’s help, you can ensure that your divorce is handled smoothly and efficiently.
