There are a number of lesser-known everyday pressures that can quietly take a toll on marriages.
With nearly half (42%) of marriages ending in divorce, according to a recent survey, it’s important to recognise the early warning signs.
While everyone experiences daily stresses, it’s often how couples address and work through these challenges that determines whether a relationship remains strong and long-lasting.
With this in mind, family law expert, Evie Bignell, from Grant Stephens Family Law, has revealed the top five everyday triggers that could lead to divorce, helping couples better recognise the small but significant pressures that can quietly build within a relationship.
Five common everyday triggers that can lead to divorce:
“I’ve noticed that couples don’t realise that persistent, everyday stressors can gradually undermine a relationship over time, and this is something we frequently hear about with our clients.”
“These issues don’t necessarily appear dramatic on the surface, but they can create ongoing tension that, if unmanaged, contributes to irreparable breakdowns in communication and connection, likely to end in a divorce.
We see a lot that it isn’t one major event that contributes to divorce, but lots of little things that may add up over years, so it’s important to recognise this.”
1. Financial Stress
“Money worries remain one of the most common sources of conflict between partners that we see.
With recent forecasts from the Chancellor’s Spring Statement indicating that the tax burden, the proportion of national income going to the government, is set to rise further toward a projected historic high of nearly 40% by 2031, many households are feeling squeezed.
These pressures can heighten disagreements over spending, debt, and financial priorities, creating ongoing friction at home.”
2. Parenting Conflicts
“Disagreements about raising children can escalate when the cost and logistics of childcare become a source of stress.
The UK has some of the most expensive childcare costs in the world, with a full‑time nursery place for a child under two costing on average around £238.95 per week, a significant weekly outlay for many families.
This financial burden, along with differing parenting styles and childcare roles, can lead to recurring tension between couples. This is also brought up a lot in cases we see.”
3. Work and Life Imbalance
“Long hours, working through annual leave, and constant connectivity to work can make partners feel neglected or undervalued.
Pressure to stay on top of responsibilities at work often leaves little time for nurturing the relationship, leading to disconnection over time.”
4. Communication Breakdown
“Good communication is key in any relationship, as partners cannot read each other’s minds. When needs aren’t expressed clearly, or difficult conversations are avoided, misunderstandings can build up.
Over time, this gradual erosion of trust and support can lead to resentment, which, if left unaddressed, may develop into a serious relational problem. These communication problems also continue into the divorce proceedings, and this can add thousands of pounds to divorce cost, as a lot more time is needed dealing with lawyers than if some things were to be settled between both parties through communication.”
5. Loss of Enjoyment and Engagement
“I’ve observed that avoiding activities or other shared experiences is often a natural result of the triggers outlined above, showing how everyday stressors can create a domino effect.
When partners start withdrawing from things they once enjoyed together or lose interest in shared goals, it can indicate increasing emotional distance. If left unaddressed, this detachment can slowly weaken the foundation of the relationship.
Again, something we often see is that partners don’t spend enough time together, and end up ultimately having their own lives rather than working together as a two.”
Photo by Timur Weber: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-and-a-woman-arguing-8560303/
