3 Common Causes of Divorce

 Posted on September 14, 2026 in Divorce

Despite the traditional vow of "till death do us part," many marriages end in divorce for different reasons. Some couples grow apart, while others realize the relationship is no longer working. If you are considering ending your marriage for whatever reason, consider talking to a Novi, MI divorce attorney. 

At Elkouri Heath, PLC, we understand that every divorce has its own challenges, from amicable splits to more difficult separations. We have represented clients throughout southeastern Michigan for over 20 years, and we handle each case with care.

Three Common Reasons for Divorce in 2026

Each couple and marriage is different, but some issues come up often in divorce cases. These might include:

Refusal to Work on Mental Health Issues

Mental health challenges can affect many parts of a person’s life, including a marriage. Conditions such as depression or anxiety do not automatically cause relationship problems. But when someone is struggling and does not get the support they need, both spouses can feel the effects. 

The other spouse may struggle to understand his or her partner’s struggles, especially if he or she does not appear to be taking active steps to improve. Communication, daily responsibilities, and emotional connection can become harder. In some cases, these challenges can put serious strain on a marriage and play a part in a couple’s decision to divorce.

Dangerous Addiction and Substance Abuse

In a marriage, it is important for couples to prioritize their relationship and the life they are building together. However, addiction can also put serious strain on a marriage. Problems involving drugs, alcohol, or gambling can affect trust, finances, communication, and daily family life. A person dealing with addiction may find it difficult to seek or continue treatment, which can also affect their spouse and family.

When these problems continue and the marriage is no longer working, one or both spouses may decide that divorce is the right choice for them.

Infidelity

If one partner has an affair, that act can cause lasting damage to the relationship. Some relationships are able to bounce back from infidelity. Spouses may choose to attend couples' counseling and work to rebuild trust, but others may decide the relationship is irreparable. If the trust cannot be rebuilt, divorce may become an option.

What Are the Recognized Grounds for Divorce in Michigan?

Michigan is a no-fault divorce state. This means you do not need to prove your spouse did something wrong to end your marriage. In fact, courts only recognize one legal ground for divorce—that is the marriage must have broken down to the point that there is no reasonable chance it can be saved  (MCL 552.6). 

You do not need to give specific details about the breakdown. You also do not need to blame your spouse for what happened. This no-fault approach was designed to reduce conflict between spouses during a difficult time. It allows couples to focus on resolving practical issues instead of arguing that either spouse was at fault.

Does Infidelity Affect Property Division or Spousal Support in Michigan?

Infidelity is a common concern for many people going through a divorce. Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, but a judge can still consider a spouse’s conduct when deciding some financial issues.

Michigan courts divide marital property in a way that is fair, or equitable. This does not always mean an exact 50/50 split. A judge may consider infidelity as one of several factors, but it should not be used simply to punish a spouse. For example, if marital money was spent on an affair, a court may consider that when dividing property.

A judge can also consider the spouses’ conduct when deciding spousal support. They may look at each spouse's income, the length of the marriage, and each spouse's contributions to the household. Cheating alone usually does not determine the outcome of support or property decisions. The judge will look at the full situation.

If you believe your spouse's infidelity affected your finances, it is important to gather documentation early in the process.

What if My Spouse Doesn’t Want to Get a Divorce?

Some people are surprised to learn that a spouse cannot stop a divorce from happening simply because they do not want it. Michigan divorce law does not require both spouses to agree to end the marriage. If one spouse believes the marriage relationship has broken down beyond repair, the divorce can still move forward.

The unwilling spouse cannot block the divorce simply by refusing to sign paperwork or by disagreeing with the decision. He or she can respond to the divorce case and raise concerns about custody, property division, or spousal support. These issues may need to be worked out through negotiation or decided by the court.

Sometimes a spouse fails to respond after being served with divorce papers. When this happens, the filing spouse can ask the court for a default. The required waiting period still applies before the divorce can be finalized. Once that period ends, the court can enter a default judgment, deciding property, support, and other issues without the other spouse's input.

A spouse who does not want a divorce may also need time to adjust emotionally. Speaking with a family law attorney early can help both spouses understand their rights and options moving forward. Even in a divorce that one spouse did not choose, having clear legal guidance can make the process easier to manage.

Contact Our Farmington Hills, MI Family Law Attorneys

Divorce can be difficult, but it can also mark the beginning of a new chapter. Every marriage and family is different, and deciding whether to divorce is a personal choice.

At Elkouri Heath, PLC, our attorneys assist clients in resolving conflicts in even the most contentious divorce cases. If you are considering filing for divorce, contact our Novi, MI divorce lawyers at 248-344-9700 for a free consultation.