Women file for divorce more often than men

Divorce is a significant life event that has far-reaching consequences for individuals and families in New York. While either party in a marriage can initiate a divorce, research shows that women tend to pull the plug on their marriages more often than men.

Understanding the factors that make women more likely to file for divorce than men sheds light on the complexities of divorce dynamics. It also highlights a need for healthy communication and compromise within relationships to prevent the dissolution of marriages.

Communication breakdowns

Many women who initiate divorce cite communication breakdowns with their spouses as a key factor in their decision. Women often express a desire for open and effective communication in relationships. When they feel as if their husbands are not actively participating in meaningful conversations or addressing issues, it often leads to dissatisfaction and a desire to end the relationship.

Emotional labor

Women tend to take on a disproportionate share of the emotional labor in a relationship, which includes managing household responsibilities, childcare and emotional support for their spouses. This imbalance may cause feelings of exhaustion and resentment, prompting women to consider divorce as a way to relieve themselves of this emotional burden.

Unresolved conflicts

Many couples face conflicts and disagreements throughout their marriage. However, when spouses ignore or fail to resolve these issues, they can fester and grow over time. Women may decide to address these conflicts head-on and seek a resolution through divorce if they feel that their spouses are not acknowledging or addressing their concerns.

Per Psychology Today, the current divorce rate for first-time marriages in the United States is between 43% and 46%. Women initiate about two-thirds of these divorces.