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2023 Update: Florida eliminated permanent alimony and established a 50/50 custody presumption effective July 1, 2023 (SB 1416 / Ch. 2023-301). These reforms changed how courts handle property division, support, and parenting plans in every Florida divorce.
| Rank | Reason | % Citing | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lack of commitment | 75.0% | Scott et al. 2013 |
| 2 | Too much conflict and arguing | 57.7% | Scott et al. 2013 |
| 3 | Communication problems | 65.0% | YourTango / Bilow |
| 4 | Partner with debt | 54.0% | CNBC / Nat’l Debt Relief |
| 5 | Married too young | 45.1% | Scott et al. 2013 |
| 6 | Infidelity / extramarital affairs | 59.6% | Scott et al. 2013 |
| 7 | Domestic abuse / violence | 23.5% | Scott et al. 2013 |
| 8 | Severe physical illness or incapacity | 18.2% | Scott et al. 2013 |
| 9 | Lack of family support | 17.3% | Scott et al. 2013 |
| 10 | Religious differences | 13.3% | Scott et al. 2013 |
This is a list of frequently cited most common reasons for divorce filings, accompanied by corresponding statistics.
1. Seventy-five percent of individuals and couples cited lack of commitment as the reason for their divorce.
2. Too much conflict and arguing is a major cause of divorce, with approximately 57.7% of couples separating as a result (Scott et al., 2013).
3. One of the main contributing factors to 65% of divorce petitions is poor communication.
4. Fifty-four percent of Americans say a partner with debt is a reason to consider divorce (CNBC / National Debt Relief, 2023).
5. 45.1% of divorced individuals in the Scott et al. study cited “married too young” as a major contributor (Scott et al., 2013).
6. Infidelity or extramarital affairs in the United States accounted for 59.6 percent of divorces.
7. Approximately 23.5% of divorces list domestic abuse as a contributing factor.
8. Severe physical illness or incapacity of a spouse contributed to 18.2% of divorces in the Scott et al. study (2013).
9. One of the contributing factors to the risk of divorce is a lack of support from family, accounting for 17.3%.
10. Religious differences contribute to 13.3% of the reasons for divorce.
A successful and fulfilling marriage requires dedication from both partners. Unfortunately, if one spouse lacks commitment to the relationship, it can potentially result in the dissolution of the marriage. When one partner is not fully committed to the other, it can harm the marriage in the long run.
Over 75% of individuals and couples who file for divorce cite a lack of commitment as the reason for their split. The divorce rate is a topic that no one enjoys discussing, but it’s an unfortunate reality in our culture. [1]
This was found to be the most frequent reason for the dissolution of marriages, surpassing even cases of infidelity.
From our practice: In 25+ years handling Jacksonville divorces, “lack of commitment” rarely shows up that way in the petition itself. What we see in filings: long periods of separate finances, one spouse moving out before the case opens, or a refusal to attend court-ordered mediation. Florida’s no-fault system means commitment-erosion patterns become visible only in equitable-distribution and time-sharing disputes. — Adam Sacks
According to divorce statistics from Scott et al. (2013), couples who report “too much conflict and arguing” are far more likely to end their marriages. Frequent conflict can lead to emotional distress and a decline in mental and physical health for both partners, which negatively affects overall quality of life.
In the Scott et al. study, 57.7% of divorced participants cited “too much conflict and arguing” as a major contributor to the end of their marriage. [2]
Arguments can escalate quickly and become emotionally intense, leading to feelings of anger and resentment. If left unresolved, this can create a hostile environment and erode the couple’s emotional bond. Over time, the constant stress of arguing can lead to physical health problems, including high blood pressure and heart issues.
Lack of communication is a major predictor of divorce in relationships. As noted in the previous paragraph, arguing about money is just one example of how poor communication can damage a relationship. Couples who do not communicate well have a harder time expressing their needs and resolving conflicts, which can lead to resentment, anger, and, ultimately, divorce.
With this said, it comes as little surprise that lack of communication in marriage leads to divorce or separation in many instances. A survey conducted by Your Tango found the following lack of communication divorce statistics:
Communication problems are the most common factor that leads to divorce, at 65%. [3]
This was followed by couples ‘inability to resolve issues at 43%.
Causes of communication breakdown in marriage involved:
Lack of validation for feelings and opinions was number one with women at 83%, followed by 56% who said their spouse talks about himself too much.
Even seemingly strong relationships can suffer from communication issues. For example, couples who keep secrets from each other can cause irreparable damage to the relationship. Secrets often arise as a result of fear of judgment or fear of negative consequences. Reasons for these omissions can range from financial issues to infidelity.
However, secrets create a lack of trust and intimacy and prevent couples from addressing problems healthily.
Finances can be a significant source of stress in any relationship, and unfortunately, it is also one of the primary causes of divorce. One of the most common financial issues that can lead to divorce is the inequities in contributing to marital income, debts, or net worth. Having all the financial information on the table is crucial for a fair and reasonable financial settlement. Hiding assets or financial details can be a red flag for financial fraud in divorce.
For many people, debt is a major source of stress. As debt accumulates, it can cause friction in relationships and lead to a breakdown in communication and trust, in addition to reduced financial stability. According to a National Debt Relief survey reported by CNBC (2023), 54% of Americans say a partner with debt is a reason to consider divorce. [4]
This statistic is further supported by the 2019 U.S. Census Bureau report, which states that household debt has increased significantly over the last two decades, making debt a major factor in failed marriages.
Financial infidelity is when a partner deliberately chooses not to tell the truth regarding money. A survey from U.S. News & World Report reveals that the biggest money-related lies that pop up in relationships are secretive purchases (31.4%), hiding debts (28.7%), and dishonesty about income (22.6%).
From our practice: Hidden debt is one of the top issues we surface during financial discovery in Jacksonville divorces. Florida is an equitable-distribution state, and post-2023 reforms make a clear inventory of marital debt — credit cards, undisclosed loans, business obligations — central to a fair settlement. If you suspect financial infidelity, request mandatory financial disclosure early in the case. — Adam Sacks
Marrying too young is one of the leading risk factors for divorce. Couples who marry before age 18 have a significantly higher chance of divorcing within 10 years than those who wait. In the Scott et al. (2013) study, 45.1% of divorced participants cited “married too young” as a major reason for the end of their marriage. [1]
The reasons for this result are varied but can include a lack of maturity and financial instability.
Being cheated on by a partner who promised to be faithful is considered a serious betrayal by many. Infidelity can have a significant impact on how one perceives their relationship, although it may not always result in divorce.
Infidelity is one of the most common reasons for divorce in the United States, according to the American Psychological Association (APA). Research indicates that infidelity accounts for 59.6 percent of all divorces in the country. This suggests that while there are a variety of factors that can contribute to the dissolution of a marriage relationship, infidelity is often at least partially responsible. [1]
Some couples can recover from infidelity, but the majority of relationships dissolve due to a loss of trust, respect, and communication.
Cheating can be a traumatic problem to overcome in a marriage and leaves couples with the difficult decision of whether to try to reconcile or walk away. Ultimately, infidelity causes a loss of trust that often leads to the dissolution of a marriage.
Domestic violence is a serious problem in the United States. According to statistics, approximately 23.5% of divorces list domestic abuse as a contributing factor. [2] This type of violence can take many forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, and emotional abuse. It can also involve financial control or intimidation.
Unfortunately, this form of abuse often goes unreported or unrecognized due to the fear of retribution or a lack of resources. Physical abuse victims often feel trapped, ashamed, and helpless and may be afraid to reach out for help. In this type of relationship, one individual attains or sustains power over their partner through a recurring pattern of abusive behavior.
The effects of physical abuse can include physical injuries, psychological trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, fear, low self-esteem, and even death in extreme cases.
If you are in danger: Florida courts can issue a domestic violence injunction (§ 741.30) that grants temporary exclusive use of the home, time-sharing, and support — often the same day a petition is filed. In Duval County, the Family Court Services intake line is available during business hours, and the National DV Hotline (1-800-799-7233) is 24/7. Documenting incidents and securing a safe place are first steps; a divorce filing can follow once you are safe.
In the Scott et al. (2013) study, 18.2% of divorced participants cited severe physical illness or incapacity of one spouse as a major contributor to divorce. (The study did not separately measure mental illness as a divorce contributor; readers researching that link should consult NIMH or APA resources.) [3]
When a spouse develops a severe physical illness, untreated health condition, or chronic mental-health issue, the strain on caregiving, finances, and intimacy can erode a marriage over time.
When it comes to divorce, there are many factors that can contribute to the breakdown of a marriage. One of the top reasons for divorce is a lack of family support. According to recent studies, 17.3% of divorces can be attributed to a lack of support from family and friends. [2]
This statistic is particularly concerning as family and friends are often an integral part of any relationship, providing emotional and financial support.
Religion is an important part of many people’s lives, and when two people come from different religious backgrounds, it can lead to a rift between them.
It’s interesting that 13.3% of divorces in America involve couples with religious differences. This statistic shows religion can be a divisive force in relationships, and without compromise or understanding, these differences can lead to the dissolution of a marriage. [2]
Lack of commitment is the most-cited reason, named by approximately 75% of divorced individuals in the Scott et al. (2013) study. Communication problems (65%) and infidelity (59.6%) follow.
No. Florida eliminated permanent alimony effective July 1, 2023, under SB 1416 (Ch. 2023-301). Courts now award durational, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, or temporary alimony — with caps based on the length of the marriage. See our spousal support page for details.
Florida is a no-fault state. The only legal ground is “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage” under Fla. Stat. § 61.052. The reasons listed in this article are contributing factors people self-report — not grounds you must prove in court.
Because Florida is no-fault, infidelity by itself does not affect property division. However, if marital funds were spent on an affair (gifts, hotel stays, travel), the court can treat that as dissipation of marital assets and adjust the equitable distribution accordingly.
54% of Americans say yes — a partner with debt is a reason to consider divorce (CNBC / National Debt Relief, 2023). In Florida, marital debt accumulated during the marriage is generally divided equitably, even when only one spouse signed for it. Hidden debt discovered during financial disclosure can shift the settlement.
Yes. In the Scott et al. (2013) PMC study, 45.1% of divorced participants cited “married too young” as a major contributor. Federal BLS NLSY79 data shows similarly elevated 10-year divorce risk for couples who marry as teenagers.
You file a petition for dissolution of marriage in the Duval County Circuit Court (Fourth Judicial Circuit). At least one spouse must have lived in Florida for 6 months before filing. Contact our office for a confidential consultation about your specific situation.
Numbered citations [1]–[4] in the body refer to these sources by topic, not strictly by list position.
✓Reviewed by
Family Law Attorney & Partner, Sacks & Sacks
