What Are The Reasons For Divorce in Australia? – Divorce Statics

Walking out of a relationship can be challenging. There are always reasons behind a broken relationship, especially a marriage. Divorce is an emotionally difficult event in a couple’s life. Although Australia has legalised no-fault divorce to make it easy for couples to walk out of a meaningless marriage, most divorces happen for emotionally disturbing reasons.

“A divorce is like an amputation: you will survive it, but there is less of you.”

Margaret Atwood

Although it is a difficult decision to separate from a partner with whom you have dreamt of spending your whole life. But it is always important to prioritise your mental peace and emotional stability.

As you ever heard about a quote:

Everything happens for a reason, whether it’s something you’re excited about or not.”

– Brittany Burgunder –

In this blog, I’ll identify some reasons for divorce in Australia that can play a significant role in a couple’s divorce. Before diving into the details, you must seek help from a professional before deciding on such emotional events.

Common Reasons For Divorce in Australia

There can be multiple reasons for a divorce, but here are some major reasons that cause turmoil in a marriage.

• Irreversible Breakdown of Marriage
• Parenting Differences
• Communication Gap
• Domestic Violence
• Financial Issues
• Infidelity

Let’s discuss each of them in detail.

1. Irreversible Breakdown of Marriage

According to the FAMILY LAW ACT 1975 – SECT 48, “(1) An application under this Act for a divorce order in relation to a marriage shall be based on the ground that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.”

The irreversible breakdown of a marriage is a scenario in which there is no solution for a couple to get back together. In such a scenario, a couple had already separated before divorce and lived separately for almost 12 months.

2. Parenting Differences

Another primary reason for divorce in Australia is the parenting difference. It mostly happens when a couple has low compatibility or comes from different backgrounds. It can also occur in couples of the same background, but that only happens sometimes. The difference is parenting can lead to arguments and put stress on your relationship. Some parenting differences are as follows:

• Insolvable differences in parenting styles
• Disagreements about children brought up
• Disagreements about discipline
• Safety Concerns 
• Cultural or Religious Differences
• Financial Stress

3. Communication Gap

Communication gap is a major factor in the breakdown of a relationship, whether it is marriage or not. For a happy marriage, it is important that the couple communicate their problems and concerns with each other clearly. If you want to proceed rationally, then it is important that you try to sort out the problem through communication before approaching legal solutions.

4. Domestic Violence

Any behaviour that can cause mental or physical harm to the other member of the family is termed domestic violence. Domestic violence is a firm ground for applying for a divorce. It is a punishable offence by law. In a marriage, if a partner is found guilty of domestic violence, he/she will not only go through divorce but also face the punishment for the action. 

Unfortunately, every 1 in 6 women in Australia is facing domestic violence. Domestic violence is not only limited to women. Every 1 in 16 men is facing violence in Australia. 66% of marriages in Australia end because of domestic violence. If you are a victim of domestic violence, we recommend you seek legal help ASAP.

Aussie Legal Partners has a team of Domestic violence lawyers that will help you deal with the matter and provide you with the emotional support required through the process.

5. Financial Issues

Financial issues have always been a big issue in relationships. Achieving financial stability is essential for a peaceful relationship. A considerable number of couples get divorced because of economic instability. Even after divorce, they face the issue of financial settlement. You need help from an experienced divorce lawyer to settle the financial matter and the divorce peacefully.

6. Infidelity

Infidelity refers to the miscommitment and disloyalty of a partner during the marriage or a relationship. Infidelity is not just unethical and immoral but also damages the relationship and emotions of the other partner. Furthermore, Infidelity builds feelings of insecurity, anger, betrayal, and mistrust. It is one of the leading causes of divorce in Australia.

Divorce Statics in Australia

The ratio of divorce in Australia has undergone changes in the last few years. Following are the statistics of previous years divorce in Australia.

Years	Divorce Granted
2018	49,674
2019	48,582
2020	49,510
2021	56,244
2022	49,241

These statistics highlight the number of divorce happened in Australia over the past few years. You must understand that there is a difference between divorce and separation. People often mistook these two terminologies as one but in fact there is a clear difference between the two.

Difference Between Separation and Divorce

The significant differences between separation and marriage are written below:

• If you are separated from your spouse, your marital status still shows you are married, unlike a divorce.
• You need to opt for a legal pathway when proceeding with a divorce. On the other hand, separation does not require a legal proceeding.
• After separation, the couple can continue to live under the same roof if they choose to do so, unlike a divorced couple.

Final Words

I am sure that you must have understood the main reasons for divorce in Australia by now. If you want to gain a deeper understanding, you must look at the divorce statistics. They will help you know whether the divorce ratio has increased, decreased, or remained the same over the past few years.  

Aussie Legal Partners has a team of family lawyers with expertise in divorce cases. We understand the emotional pain and financial stress a divorce puts on you. Our expert divorce lawyers in Sydney, Parramatta are always ready to help you out through the process, either through negotiation or filing for a divorce. To understand the complexity of your case, book a free consultation with us today.

FAQs

1. What are the three main reasons for divorce?

Infidelity, domestic violence and financial problems are the three leading causes of divorce in Australia. Several other reasons can cause damage to the relationship or even put an end to it. 

2. Can A divorce get denied in Australia?

A divorce can be denied in Australia for several reasons. One main reason is that one or both partners are not residents of Australia. For a smooth experience, it is best to contact a divorce lawyer.

3. What will happen if one spouse doesn’t want a divorce?

If one spouse refuses to divorce, the divorce will still take place, but there are also possibilities that the divorce will be delayed or, in rare cases, cancelled. Get help from a divorce lawyer to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.