It is easy for people to see why many high-conflict divorce cases occur. If someone has an extramarital affair, for instance, outsiders fully understand why their spouse may file for divorce and why the divorce itself may be a contentious process. The same is true with high-conflict marriages, especially if there is an element of abuse.
But what about low-conflict divorces? Spouses in low-conflict situations may not be at odds with one another. They may not be getting divorced because of something drastic, like an affair. They can cooperate as they may be still on fairly good terms. Why do these marriages end? These are a few common reasons why low-conflict divorces occur so often.
Growing apart
Over time, couples grow and change. This can happen in different directions, which may lead to a loss of emotional connection. This is why couples sometimes get divorced when they become empty-nesters. They have been growing apart for years, and they only realize it when they no longer have the distraction of children in the home. This can also happen when people get married at a very young age, as they are bound to change fairly dramatically as they grow up.
External stressors
External pressures such as job loss, illness, extended family issues or major life changes can strain a marriage and contribute to divorce. For instance, someone may take a new job that requires extensive travel. Their spouse knows that is not a lifestyle they want to be part of and files for divorce accordingly.
Substance abuse
Drug or alcohol addiction can significantly impact a marriage, leading to breakdowns in trust, communication and overall stability. Addiction can also lead to financial issues, especially when one person spends excessively to fund that addiction. Certainly, this can lead to a contentious divorce where spouses argue about substance abuse issues. But it can also lead to a low-conflict divorce where the healthier spouse cares about their partner and wants them to get help – but also knows that they just cannot stay in the marriage any longer.
It’s important to note that each relationship is unique, and the reasons for divorce can be much different from one couple to the next. Sometimes, a combination of several factors contributes to the breakdown of a marriage, leading to the decision to divorce. Those who do decide to divorce can seek legal guidance proactively in order to better understand their rights and options and to better safeguard their interests moving forward.