Divorce is one of the most difficult decisions a person can make. At The Mitten Law Firm, we work with clients every day who want to understand how they got here and what their next steps should be. While every marriage is unique, research consistently shows that the leading causes of divorce fall into a few common categories — with one issue rising to the top more often than others.
Lack of Commitment: The Number One Cause
The most frequently cited reason for divorce is a lack of commitment. For many Michigan couples, this doesn’t happen overnight. Instead, it’s a gradual process where one or both spouses stop putting in the effort to maintain the relationship.
Signs of waning commitment may include:
- Avoiding quality time together
- Failing to resolve conflicts
- Prioritizing work, hobbies, or outside relationships over the marriage
- A sense of “going through the motions” without real partnership
When one partner feels their spouse is no longer invested, the relationship often deteriorates to the point where divorce feels like the only option.
Other Leading Causes of Divorce
Although lack of commitment is the most common factor, many divorces stem from multiple, overlapping issues. Some of the other leading causes include:
1. Poor Communication and Constant Conflict
Couples who struggle to resolve disagreements often find themselves stuck in cycles of criticism, defensiveness, or avoidance. Over time, these patterns erode trust and intimacy.
2. Infidelity and Betrayal
An affair often acts as the breaking point in a struggling marriage. Infidelity creates deep wounds of mistrust that can be difficult, if not impossible, to repair.
3. Financial Disagreements
Money is one of the top stressors in marriage. Different spending habits, hidden debts, or disputes about financial priorities frequently drive couples apart.
4. Lack of Intimacy or Emotional Connection
When spouses stop showing affection or fail to meet each other’s emotional needs, one or both may feel lonely and unappreciated within the marriage.
Why Divorce Usually Isn’t About Just One Cause
It’s important to understand that divorce rarely stems from one isolated issue. More often, these causes build on each other. For example, financial stress can make communication worse, or a lack of intimacy may make betrayal more likely. By the time a couple contacts a divorce attorney, the marriage has typically endured years of accumulated strain.
What This Means for Michigan Families
If you are considering divorce, recognizing the underlying causes can help you make informed choices about your future. For some, counseling or mediation may provide a chance to repair the relationship. For others, divorce may be the healthiest way forward — especially if trust, safety, or respect can’t be restored.
At The Mitten Law Firm, we understand that behind every divorce is a story filled with challenges, emotions, and often years of struggle. Our role is not just to guide you through the legal process but to provide clarity and support during one of the most difficult transitions of your life.
Speak with a Local Divorce Attorney Today
If you believe your marriage is heading toward divorce, or if you’ve already decided it’s time to move forward, you don’t have to navigate this alone. The Mitten Law Firm offers compassionate, experienced legal counsel tailored to your situation.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.