Why are Women More Likely to Initiate Divorce Proceedings?

Many people believe it is usually men who initiate divorce proceedings, but this is a myth. According to a recent study that included more than 2,000 heterosexual couples, 70 percent of the women filed for divorce first. When a woman has post-secondary education, that number climbs to 90 percent. So, why are women more likely to start divorce proceedings? Below, our Tampa divorce attorney outlines the three main reasons for this.

Women Often Feel Overburdened In Marriage

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted just how much women feel overburdened. The majority of women work today and earn an income to contribute to the household. Still, they also carry the majority of the responsibilities for maintaining the household, completing daily tasks such as cooking, and raising the children.

Even when both spouses work full-time, it is women who have the majority of the household responsibilities. The pandemic also showed that women are more likely to quit their job when home responsibilities become too great.

While the pandemic is largely behind us, many women are still feeling overburdened. This stress can greatly strain a marriage and result in more women filing for divorce.

Women are Often Better Communicators 

Of course, this is not always true. However, women are often the ones who provide emotional support to the people in the household, including the children and their spouse. Sometimes, men do not communicate as often or as effectively. This can leave women feeling like they are not receiving the support they need from their spouse. They may feel alone in the marriage and so, they decide to end it.

Women Feel More Independent Today 

Not long ago, it was women who stayed home to raise the children and maintain the household while the men went off to work. At that time, men also largely handled the household finances, and many women were not fully aware of the debt they carried or property they owned. This left women feeling very dependent on their husbands, and as though if they filed for divorce, they would be left with nothing. Historically, women stayed in unhappy and unhealthy marriages than they will today as they did not have the means to leave it.

Fortunately, today this is no longer the case. With so many women working today, they feel much more independent and know they will be financially stable after a divorce. If a woman feels as though her husband has engaged in marital misconduct, such as an affair, they are more likely to file for divorce than they once were.

Our Divorce Attorneys in Tampa Can Assist with Your Case 

No two relationships are exactly alike, but there are certain reasons why today, women are more likely to initiate divorce proceedings than their spouse. If you have been thinking about ending your marriage, our Tampa divorce attorneys at All Family Law Group, P.A., can guide you through the process, make sure your rights are protected, and help you obtain the fair settlement you deserve. Call us now at 813-672-1900 or reach out to us online to schedule a free review of your case and to learn more about your legal options.

Sources:

npr.org/2020/04/08/829141182/women-are-losing-more-jobs-in-coronavirus-shutdowns

psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-new-resilience/201508/women-initiate-divorce-much-more-men-heres-why