You Don’t Need a Reason to File for Divorce in Missouri
Missouri is a no-fault divorce state, so couples do not need to show that either spouse is at fault for the breakdown of their relationship. However, a spouse's actions that led to the breakdown of the marriage can still impact the final divorce settlement in some cases.
While the divorce itself can be granted on no-fault grounds, the specifics of how the marriage ended can play a role in the ultimate terms of the settlement. For example, if one spouse was unfaithful or engaged in financial misconduct, that may be taken into account when dividing assets or determining alimony. Allegations of and proven instances of domestic abuse can also impact custody determinations.
Thus, you should always be honest with your attorney about the specifics of what motivated you to file and details about the actions that your spouse may use in negotiations or litigation. Below, we outline some of the top reasons why people divorce, as well as some unusual reasons for ending a marriage.
Leading Reasons for Divorce
Some of the top reasons for divorce include the following:
- Lack of communication: In an unusual case, a woman sent her husband multiple texts with no response, and then after telling him she was in the hospital, he still failed to respond, so she divorced him. While this may seem extreme, some couples stop talking and sharing with one another and experience a silent divorce, which is where they lead separate lives and have minimal communication before filing for divorce legally.
- Infidelity and other betrayals: Infidelity, whether physical or emotional, is one of the most commonly cited reasons for divorce, as it can irreparably damage trust and intimacy in a marriage.
- Incompatibility: Some couples decide they are just too different or just don't work as a couple anymore, realizing they have grown apart and no longer have enough in common to sustain the marriage.
- Lack of commitment: When one or both partners are unwilling to fully commit to the marriage and make it a priority, it can lead to the breakdown of the relationship over time.
- Too much conflict: Constant arguing, bickering, and an inability to resolve conflicts in a healthy manner can create an environment that is unsustainable for a marriage.
- Substance abuse: Addiction issues with alcohol, drugs, or other substances can put a severe strain on a marriage, leading to trust issues, financial troubles, and an overall deterioration of the relationship.
- Lack of intimacy: Both physical and emotional intimacy are crucial for a healthy marriage, and the absence of these can cause partners to feel disconnected and unfulfilled.
- Abuse: Whether it is physical, emotional, verbal, or financial, any form of abuse in a marriage is unacceptable and often leads to divorce as the victim/survivor seeks to remove themselves from the harmful situation.
- Opposing values and/or beliefs: Fundamental differences in areas like politics, religion, or culture can make it extremely difficult for a couple to find common ground and come together as partners.
- Unequal distribution of responsibility: If one party feels the other doesn't carry their weight when it comes to household duties, childcare, or financial obligations, it can breed resentment and a sense of imbalance.
- Parenting differences: Conflicts over child-rearing philosophies, discipline methods, or the amount of time/attention devoted to children can put significant strain on a marriage.
- External family pressures: Interference, disapproval, or unsolicited advice from in-laws or other family members can create tension and division within a marriage.
- Unrealistic expectations: When partners have unrealistic ideals about marriage and their spouse, it can lead to disappointment, disillusionment, and the breakdown of the relationship.
What Causes Divorce: Odd Reasons People Pursue Divorce?
Some less common and unusual reasons that people have pursued divorce include:
- Sports obsession: Some spouses have cited their partner's all-consuming passion for a particular sport as grounds for divorce, as it leaves little time or attention for the marriage. On a deeper level, an unhealthy fixation on sports can sometimes be a symptom of underlying issues like escapism, avoidance, or lack of emotional intimacy in the relationship.
- Different film tastes: In one unusual case, a woman sought a divorce from her husband because he disliked the animated film Frozen, which she took as a sign that there was something fundamentally wrong with him as a person.
- Vanity: In another example, a man divorced his wife just days after their wedding because he felt she had misled him by appearing much different without makeup than she had on their wedding day, which he considered a betrayal.
- Different cleaning habits: A woman filed for divorce after becoming fed up with her husband's habit of leaving dirty dishes by the sink. On a deeper level, she could have seen this as a symbol of his lack of respect and unwillingness to share household responsibilities.
For more uncommon reasons for divorce, read our blog, “Three Absurd Reasons for Divorce.”
Here to Help Regardless of Your Reasons for Divorce
Kallen Law Firm, LLC is backed by decades of experience helping clients navigate their divorces. Whether you need help filing contested or uncontested or navigating divorce mediation, our team is here to help.
Call (314) 441-7793 to schedule a case evaluation with a member of our firm.
