Around the world and through countless centuries and civilisations, the concept of marriage has existed and thrived despite the odds seemingly being stacked against it. For any couple recently married or soon to tie the knot, even the mention of the D word is completely unsanctimonious and an abomination of the time-honoured tradition but, for many other couples, divorce has found its way into their lives. Unfortunately, even though couples unite through an uncompromising love for each other, they tend to part for a variety of different reasons.

Though there has been very little research carried out into why couples get divorced, as in many countries the idea of a couple reneging on their vows is completely unheard of, there are common reasons and excuses which come up time and time again. The most obvious reason is simply communication. Just as in any relationship, be it loving or professional, a lack of communication will undoubtedly end unfavourably for at least one partner, and spouses often find out the hard way that a lack of honest, open and trusting conversation is a marriage killer. For many couples, the reason for splitting up is centred around a lack of effort or ‘the spark' not being there anymore, but this is something which could perhaps be avoided with open communication.

Though it's not pleasant to admit, the next most common ground for divorce is often money related. No one gets together over money, with the exception of the tabloid stories of busty blonde 20-somethings hitching up with geriatric billionaires, but unfortunately it still finds its way into the separation. It's no surprise that money is probably linked to the stresses and catastrophes in many people's lives, and marriage is something which feels the impact of stress easily. For many couples, the stress of money leads to arguments and, eventually, these arguments often lead to divorce. Unlike most couples' arguments, which are usually over nothing and can therefore be defused quickly and forgotten about, money matters tend to linger like a dark cloud.

Ironically though, the opposite is often giving as a reason for splitting up too. It used to be the case that a husband ‘staying late at the office' was a euphemism for him having an affair but, today, long working hours is one of the fastest growing reasons for divorce; infidelity aside. Couples that play together are said to stay together and by not spending enough quality time with each other, a couples risks the harsh repercussions. This is just another reflection on modern society, where even divorce reasons are far more personal and emotive these days compared to the traditional black and white reasons that used to fill the divorce papers. Today, individualistic ideals come into play far more regularly, with personal and particular reasons being given regularly, like ‘a lack of career ambition' in a spouse or ‘not enough family holidays' even.

Unfortunately though, the old classic reason is still as much to blame as ever. Infidelity still gets the blame for many marriages breaking up, but it could be said that the act itself is as much a reaction to other marital problems than a longing to be with someone other than your partner. However, it creeps into many failed marriages, whether it's through resentment, opportunistic risk taking or sexual boredom at home. Thankfully though, a good divorce solicitor can steer any couple through the minefield of splitting up, and make the whole process as pain free as possible.