Irreconcilable Differences: Common Conflicts that Lead to Divorce

 Posted on June 14, 2016 in Divorce

Despite even the greatest efforts, some marriages end in divorce due to deterioration over time while others fade quickly due to inevitable circumstances beyond anyone’s control. Whatever your situation, when it comes time to file for divorce, you will likely come across the term irreconcilable differences, a concept used to describe conflict that is unable to be resolved between two spouses. Under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, irreconcilable differences are cited as the source for the “irretrievable” breakdown of the marriage. In some states and counties, these differences are also referred to as grounds for divorce.

When the court determines that certain efforts at reconciliation have failed, or that any further attempts at reconciliation in the future are no longer practical or productive, those efforts are no longer considered in the best interest of the family. In short, when both parties have done all they can do to resolve their problems and have reached no compromise or found no solution, their marriage is dissolved due to irreconcilable differences.

Common Conflicts

Everything from disagreements about politics and religion to in-law issues and money troubles can drive a wedge between spouses. What might seem like a minor or petty problem to one couple can actually be a serious problem for another. Here are some conflicts that are often unable to be reconciled in a marriage:

• Intense Family Involvement: In-laws or extended family that is overly involved in a couple’s affairs can be a big source of tension and can ultimately contribute to the unraveling of a marriage;
• Lack of Balance Between Home and Work: Too much time at the office and not enough time and home can create division and distance in any relationship. This typically leads to a breakdown in communication and intimacy;
• Communication Problems: Communication is everything. If it is lacking in any way or one person is putting in more effort to communicate than the other, conflict eventually arises; and
• Marital Affairs and Other External Relationships: Emotional and physical affairs, whether romantic or friendly in nature, can at times be a threat to a healthy marriage. Trust is lost, communication crumbles, and the marriage suffers.

If you find yourself facing a divorce due to any of these irreconcilable differences or are dealing with some other unique circumstance that has led to the dissolution of marriage, you need to speak with a professional Kane County family law attorney to ensure that your rights and best interest are protected. Call Shaw Sanders, P.C. at 630-584-5550 for a free consultation today.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=075000050HPt%2E+IV&ActID=2086&ChapterID=59&SeqStart=3800000&SeqEnd=5300000

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs2.asp?ChapterID=59