Studies Show Two Thirds of Divorces Initiated by Wives

 Posted on July 04, 2012 in Family Law

While couples cite numerous reasons for filing for divorce, studies show than in an majority of the cases, the wife is the party that initiates the filing.

According to a survey conducted by the AARP, amongst couples aged 40-79, two thirds of all filings for divorce are initiated by women. While we think of the stereotype of middle aged men dumping their wives for younger women, the report finds that in most cases, men are blindsided by a filing for divorce.

More than a quarter of men surveyed responded that they never saw the divorce coming, as opposed to 14% of women who reported being shocked by a divorce filing. Most women filed for divorce due to verbal, emotional and physical neglect. In the state of Illinois, couples can file for a no- fault divorce which means that neither spouse has to prove that the other is responsible for the breakdown of the marriage.

The major reason spouses of both sexes gave for postponing a divorce filing was in order to protect their children. Children remain the “glue” that keeps even unhappy spouses together. While most women who initiated the divorce filing felt confident that they could keep custody of their children, the stick issues of visitation and joint custody led most to hesitate for months or even years before filing a petition for divorce.

If you are in the process of filing for divorce in Illinois, you owe it to yourself and your family to get the best legal advice possible. Call one of our experienced Bloomingdale, Illinois divorce attorneys today for help with your case.