The decision to divorce is often complicated, and couples may spend months, or even years, soul-searching before calling it quits. But when initiating a split, it’s clear who makes the final call. 

In some Western countries, divorce is becoming more accessible; the UK, for instance, recently legalized no-fault divorces, which means couples now have a quicker and more straightforward route to break up. This change in rules could open the door for even more women – who might have been hesitant before – to file for divorce.

If you are an unhappy couple living in Canada, consult with the Markham family law firm. They will provide invaluable guidance and support throughout the divorce process.

Exploring the factors

It has previously been considered that men usually initiate divorce, but according to a recent survey, 70% of divorces were initiated by women. Here are some factors that can explain why women take the first step. 

Financial Independence

Women who earn for themselves do not have the habit of asking for money from their partners. The more they become financially independent, the less they require support and reliance on their partner. So, in the case of conflicts or domestic abuse, women don’t have to bear much, and they ask for separation or divorce.

In the past, when women were dependent on their spouses, they used to bear all kinds of domestic abuse. We can also see such cases in today’s world. But this is coming to an end with women’s financial independence. It empowers women to make independent decisions about their marital status.

Communication Gap Between Spouses

Another factor affecting happy marriages is the communication gap. Women tend to express their feelings and discuss relationship issues openly. But men are mostly reserved. They don’t open up easily about the problems of marriage. These gaps lead to dissatisfaction and, ultimately, divorce. 

Additionally, women have higher expectations. When these expectations are not met, they don’t feel like being in that marriage anymore and end up in divorce. 

If you’re considering divorce, seeking guidance from a reputable family law firm, Markham, is essential. Contact them today to learn how to wade through this challenging situation easily.

Seeking Resolution

Women tend to be more motivated than men to resolve their marital status,” says Katie Spooner, head of family law. Based on her client record, she says most men are happy to remain separated unless there is a new relationship or particular imperative to sort their finances.

This means women who are separated from their husbands without a divorce agreement risk financial hardship because they may not have a legal right to marital assets or financial support until a formal divorce agreement is in place. Filing for divorce might be their only choice to secure assets, even if they did not choose to end the relationship in the first place.

Conclusion

In some cases, filing for divorce is a decision based on years of unhappiness. For others, divorce is more of a practical move based on the need to reach a financial settlement.

What’s clear, however, is that certain factors – women’s improved earning power, men’s and women’s mismatched emotional needs within marriage, and ongoing inequalities in household labour – mean that divorce is likely to remain deeply gendered.