Archive: September 2021
September 23, 2021
There have been numerous studies on why married people get divorced. Most causes are intertwined and linked together. Money, infidelity, and substance abuse are common reasons for a divorce. However, a new study suggests that social media plays a massive role in the end of many marital relations.
A study published in the Journal of Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking found that people who use Facebook are more likely to encounter Facebook-related conflicts with their romantic partners. The conflict then leads to a possibility of a breakup or a divorce.
Researchers backed the claim by surveying 205 Facebook users aged 18 to 82. 79 percent of the respondents reported being in a romantic relationship. But why is Facebook, a seemingly harmless social media platform, a reason for divorce?
1. Commitment Issues
85 percent of people state lack of commitment as their primary reason for a divorce. However, it is a reason that is challenging to prove. The outward signs point to extramarital affairs, such as not being communicative or not working towards a shared financial goal. Therefore, people might state lack of commitment as the primary issue as it is an underlying cause of more obvious problems.
2. Growing Apart
Next to lack of commitment, people who divorced stated that “we grew apart” or “we drifted apart” as the primary reason for their decision. The concept of incompatibility could conclude other reasons that may come up, such as lack of shared values, marrying too young, sexual difficulties, and religious differences. Although many couples can work through their differences, some differences might not be reconcilable.
3. Extramarital Affairs
Surprisingly, infidelity or adultery is not the top reason for divorce. Although it’s an answer that always came up during surveys, it’s not as often as lack of commitment or growing apart. More often than not, extramarital affairs happen because there were already problems in the marriage. It could be an unconscious way of provoking the other spouse to call an end to the union.
4. Financial Incompatibility
In several studies, 40 percent of people stated financial problems—complaints about how their ex-spouse handled money—were primary reasons they divorced. Any serious excuse to fight over money can be referred to as “financial incompatibility.” Most studies show that financial incompatibility is a primary reason for divorce among couples with lower incomes. When there is less to go around, there are more fights on how people handle money.
5. Facebook
Russell B. Clayton, the researcher, hypothesized that more frequent social media use and monitoring of one’s partner could lead to misunderstandings and feelings of jealousy. The study has proved that hypothesis by noting a strong correlation between Facebook use and relationship stability.
The correlation is a result of jealousy and arguments about past partners related to social media snooping. Although social media aims to connect people wherever they may be, reconnecting with past lovers may lead to emotional and physical cheating.
Conclusion
We’ve seen the usual reasons why married couples file for divorce. However, as social media grows as part of our culture, it might soon be part of why people choose to end their marriage. But if you want to save the relationship from failing, it’s best to communicate with your partners and set boundaries of what they can control on your social media accounts. After all, being in a relationship is all about trust and commitment to the person you are with.
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September 16, 2021
Marriage is a choice—anyone who has been married for more than a few years can tell you how difficult of a choice it can be. That said, while some people are able to find reasons to keep making that choice, others may find themselves needing to step away from the marriage. Unfortunately, the realization does not make the decision to end the marriage easier.
This is when things can become quite messy. Money, properties, and assets can be difficult subjects to open up even before the end of a relationship. If one person decides that the marriage is over before the other, a likely scenario is that they can start preparing for divorce well ahead of their spouse. This often manifests in hiding assets away for themselves and separate from the marriage. This can ensure that they will have more to keep once the relationship is officially over.
Here are some signs to look out for to know if your spouse is hiding away assets to prepare for divorce:
Overpaying Debts or Paying Unknown Debts
It’s good practice to keep track of all your debts as a couple. This not only helps with your own security and peace of mind but it also helps you understand your finances better.
Noticing the first signs of cracks in your marriage might blind you to looking at other aspects of your life together. But if you’re aware of the damage in your relationship and money is already a big concern, it would be wise to pay attention to your debts.
Pay attention to the amount of money they’re paying for debts or unfamiliar debts. This is one of the most common places your spouse can start hiding away money.
Going on Sudden and Unexplained Trips
Trips, whether it’s one day or several are not taken without discussion, especially when you’re married. Frequent unexplained trips are a big red flag, especially if communication has become a problem in your relationship. When your spouse is frequently gone for days or even just a day, it’s time to start investigating where they’re going and how much they’re spending.
Of course, those trips may or may not be luxury getaways, but that begs the question of what they’re doing and where the money they’re spending is going. This is a common tactic that people often use to hide away assets, either through “travel agencies” or simply putting money in a faraway account.
Making Expensive Purchases without Your Knowledge
Since your assets and accounts are tied together, it’s important that you both inform each other whenever you’re making a big purchase, regardless of your current situation. When your spouse decides to bypass that and go ahead with buying expensive things, it’s already a bad sign. If they go out of their way to hide it from you, it should raise alarms.
There are plenty of expensive items they can purchase now and sell later. There is also a possibility, just like with the frequent unexplained trips that the money is not actually being spent, rather hidden in plain sight by buying expensive things. Be sure to watch out for suspicious or luxury items in your home if you’re currently caught in a situation like this with your spouse.
Conclusion
Finding out that your spouse is not just hiding but actually money and assets away from you can be devastating. In the state of Florida, this act is not without its consequences. That’s why it’s important to look out for the signs and hire professionals to confirm your suspicions. Once you have the necessary information and evidence you need to prove this, it’s best to contact a divorce lawyer immediately, for your safety and security.
If you need professional law advice and services, we are here to help you. Dorsey Law JAX is a law firm that specializes in family law, criminal law, and personal injury. We can help you get what you deserve. Feel free to contact us anytime.
