What Is the Most Common Reason for a Costa Mesa Divorce?

Whether your marriage has lasted a few months or many years, divorce can be a complicated legal and emotional process. You went into the marriage intending to stay together, so separating your lives can feel overwhelming. The fear of uprooting your life can lead to you questioning if you are making the right decision, as well as wondering, “What is the most common reason for a Costa Mesa divorce?”

Speaking with a professional therapist may also help you evaluate your situation and feel more confident in your choice. Only you can decide if divorce is the right choice for you and your marriage, but seeing the reasons that others divorce may provide some clarity to your situation.

Reasons for Divorce

One of the most common reasons for divorce is irreconcilable differences. This legal term is applied to a broad range of circumstances that ultimately mean the spouses cannot reconcile and continue the marriage. It is one of the most cited reasons for divorce because it applies to several circumstances, including:

• Infidelity. Some marriages can recover from infidelity, but it is not uncommon for an emotional or physical affair to be something a marriage cannot recover from. One study found infidelity to be a factor in divorce for 59.6% of the respondents, and many considered it a critical turning point in an already deteriorating relationship.
• Different goals. If a couple’s goals or choices no longer align, then the marriage may not recover. Examples include opinions on having children or how to care for elderly family members.
• Money disagreements. Finances can be a major stressor in a relationship, especially if there is a different view on spending versus saving money. Failure to communicate large purchases or differing priorities can end a marriage.
• Incompatible parenting styles. Parenting styles must be compatible. If the couple cannot agree on important decisions like religion, education, and discipline, then the marriage may not recover.
• Growing apart. Through no fault of either spouse, sometimes couples just grow apart. Their values may change, or they may want to take their life in a different direction than discussed at the beginning of the marriage.

It is important to note that these issues do not need to be proven to claim irreconcilable differences as the reason for the end of your marriage.

Other reasons for divorce include:

• Breakdown in communication. Whether perpetual arguments are happening or there is little to no communication between spouses, a lack of healthy communication can severely damage marital bonds. Problems cannot be resolved and ultimately compound into larger issues.
• Domestic violence. Domestic abuse applies to situations of physical abuse, as well as other forms of abuse like financial control, emotional manipulation, and psychological intimidation. In a nationwide survey of divorced Americans, roughly one in four respondents cited domestic violence as a major contributor to divorce.
• Permanent legal incapacity. This reason for divorce can be claimed if one spouse becomes unable to make their own decisions or manage their own affairs because of a permanent condition like disability or mental illness. Typically, the affected individual cannot understand the legal responsibilities that come with marriage.
• Substance abuse and addiction. Behavioral changes, misuse of money, and health concerns are all issues that can arise if a spouse has a substance abuse disorder. The resulting tension and breakdown in trust can permanently damage a marriage.

Ultimately, any reason that makes you unhappy or unfulfilled can be a reason to proceed with divorce, especially if you have been attempting to fix the relationship for a long time already. As a no-fault state, California allows residents to proceed with a divorce for any reason at all.

FAQs

What Is the Difference Between an Uncontested Divorce and a Contested Divorce?

An uncontested divorce occurs when both parties agree to all the provisions within their divorce proceedings. A contested divorce occurs when the parties cannot agree, and certain aspects of their divorce must be resolved by a judge. A contested divorce will generally take longer to resolve, will cost more to complete, and often results in more animosity than an uncontested divorce.

What Are the Three Cs of divorce?

The three Cs of divorce are communication, cooperation, and clarification. The end of a marriage can be an emotionally trying time that can easily spiral into harsh words and hurt feelings. Unfortunately, this can only hurt the divorce process. The three Cs of divorce are meant to help the couple amicably proceed through their divorce and resolve issues as they arise. Approaching a divorce with communication, cooperation, and clarification can positively impact the outcome of the divorce.

Can My Spouse Stop a Divorce From Happening in California?

If the spouse who wants to stop the divorce was the one to initiate it, then your spouse can stop the divorce proceedings. However, if you are the party who filed for divorce, then your spouse cannot stop the divorce. There are some tactics that can delay the finalization of the divorce, but ultimately, the divorce cannot be stopped by the non-filing spouse.

Is the Divorce Rate High in California?

The 2024 divorce rate, measured as the number of women divorced within the last year per 1,000 women aged 15 and over in California, was 5.88. This ranks California among the states with the lowest divorce rate. Vermont, New Jersey, and Alaska were some of the few states ranked lower than California. For comparison, the two states with the highest divorce rates were Arkansas and Wyoming, 11.85 and 11.01, respectively.

Costa Mesa Divorce Attorney

Regardless of your reason for seeking a divorce, the Engels-Janzen team trusts that you know what is right for you and your family. Our knowledgeable team will help you reach a fair and favorable outcome for your divorce. We can also help with issues that may arise during your divorce, such as spousal support, child custody, and property division.

If you are considering divorce or have decided it is the right step, reach out to our office to see how we can support you through this difficult transition period.