Does Serious Illness Cause Divorce?

A study recently published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior has reported that a marriage is more likely to end in divorce when the wife is diagnosed with a serious illness as compared to marriages where the wife remains healthy. Interestingly, the husband’s illness did not impact the likelihood of divorce.

The study did not investigate whether the healthy spouse or sick spouse initiated the divorce, so the data did not reveal the causes. However, it is not difficult to understand that a serious illness can cause a significant amount of stress on a marriage. For example, when the healthy spouse is the primary caregiver and has the responsibility of maintaining the household, it can be overwhelming. Medical bills and a spouse that is too ill to work can lead to severe financial difficulties, which is also a major cause of divorce.

Another cause of stress can result from the quality of care being provided to the ill spouse. Most husbands are not experienced in being a caregiver, which can lead to their wives being disappointed and frustrated. A woman that was not happy in her marriage before may be likely to file for divorce because of the dissatisfaction she feels over the care she receives.

When a couple is facing a serious illness, it can make them reconsider what is happening in their lives and whether they are happy or not. If you are considering filing for divorce, it is important to obtain the legal advice and guidance that you need. Call us today.

Whether your divorce is amicable or full of disputes, we are here to help. Contact the knowledgeable attorneys at the Men’s Divorce Law Firm. Our office is located in Orlando, Florida, but we proudly serve husbands and fathers across the State. The firm also serves men out of state with child custody interests in Florida.