Reasons Why Women Initiate Divorce

Bains Law Firm - October 11, 2017

Women initiate divorce more often than men. According to a study conducted by sociology researchers at Stanford University, nearly 70% of divorces are initiated by women. Marriage itself is no longer burdened by outdated notions or expectations.  As a result, there are a variety of reasons why more women are seeking a dissolution of their marriage.

1. Abusive Marriage

Increasingly women will not stay in abusive marriages, nor should they.  In Washington State there are a vast array of resources for victims of domestic abuse. Victim shelters, domestic violence advocates, no-fault dissolution laws, protection and restraining orders all make relief through a divorce action much more accessible for a wife to escape an abusive marriage.

2. Financial Independence

Today women are more apt to have their own careers and are less likely to be financially dependent upon their husbands. Even many stay-at-home moms have college degrees and other marketable skills. As a result, many wives have the financial freedom to decide upon filing for a divorce with less stress and worry of how the bills are going to paid.  In Washington State, even when a spouse is not financially independent, there are laws to help create a level financial playing field for both spouses.  This can be done through requests for spousal support and attorney fees, which are generally ruled upon based upon one spouse's need and the other's ability to pay.

3. Cheating Is Intolerable

Unlike days of old when looking away from infidelity was often the norm, today less women will tolerate cheating. These days married couples are viewed more so as equal partners, who together share financial burdens, child rearing, and other demands of married life. When a spouse cheats, the behavior changes the equality in their partnership.  Deciding to file for divorce due to cheating has become quite common, especially in this modern age where social media and technology has made it so easy for a spouse to stray. 

4. Ending a Bad Marriage

Generally, women no longer trade happiness for a bad marriage. Traditionally, it was believed a woman needed to be married (and even by a certain age) to be happy; this notion is no longer the case. As such, less women are of the belief that they need to be stuck in a bad marriage for the simple sake of being married.

5. Dissatisfaction with the Marriage

Today women are less likely to put their own fulfillment needs aside for the sake of the marriage. If the marriage is not providing what the wife is looking for in a partner spouse, they are more likely to end it.  Often as time goes by, the intimate and emotional connection between spouses diminishes, and rather than be dissatisfied, more women are choosing to file for divorce as the couple has grown apart. 

Family law litigation can be emotionally difficult and complex. Decisions made about each step of the litigation can affect you for many years.  Whatever the reason when filing for a dissolution of your marriage, having a compassionate and experienced attorney to help guide you through the process can be helpful. Contact us today at (253) 838 – 3377 or email at office@bainslawfirm.com, to talk about your situation.

Disclaimer: All materials provided on this website have been prepared by Bains Law Firm for general information purposes only and no representation is made as to their completeness or accuracy. Information on this website is not intended as legal advice, and may not be relied upon as such. Only an attorney who can review the unique facts of each case and apply them to the statutes, case law and court rules can provide legal advice. Nothing in this website shall be construed to create an attorney-client relations