The 7 Year Divorce Rule
There are a lot of different reasons that couples decide to divorce. But one of the most common is around the seven year mark.
This is because of the phenomenon known as the “seven year itch.” But does this really exist? And if so, what causes it? Read on to find out more.
What is the 7 Year Divorce Rule?
No one goes into marriage thinking that they will end it, but unfortunately divorce is often the end result. Whether it is due to extramarital affairs, changing priorities, or other factors, many couples find that they simply cannot make their relationship work. According to research, on average it takes around seven years for a couple to get divorced. This is known as the seven year itch, a term that refers to the idea that most divorces happen around this time.
While this is the case for many people, it is important to remember that there is no minimum amount of time that a couple must be separated before starting divorce proceedings. Instead, you can file for divorce as soon as you realize that your marriage has irretrievably broken down. Exceptions to this rule are if you want to divorce on the grounds of abandonment or imprisonment. However, even in these circumstances you must prove that your spouse has voluntarily abandoned you or been found to be incurably insane by a medical professional.
How Does the 7 Year Divorce Rule Work?
No one enters a marriage assuming that it will eventually end in divorce. However, the reality is that many couples do end their marriages after around seven years of being together. This is often attributed to the concept of the “seven year itch” where one spouse becomes restless and looks elsewhere for fulfillment.
The length of a marriage can also play a factor when it comes to spousal support and property division. This is because courts generally consider how long the couple was married as a guideline when deciding on financial settlements.
In addition to length of marriage, a spouse can also file for divorce based on a variety of other grounds. These vary by state and include at-fault and no-fault reasons such as adultery, abandonment, infidelity, substance abuse, emotional abuse, and physical abuse. A spouse can also file for a mental health divorce based on the testimony of two specialty doctors that their spouse is incurably insane.
Why Do People Get Divorced Around the 7 Year Mark?
It is common to hear of the myth of the seven year itch, but does it really exist? While it is true that many couples experience a crisis point in their marriage, it may not necessarily be around year seven. The real answer to this question is that it depends on the unique circumstances of each individual marriage.
Psychologists and therapists generally agree that the concept of the seven year itch is part truth and part myth. This is because the actual “itch” has less to do with years married and more to do with a specific crisis point that occurs at any time during a relationship’s life cycle. This could be something as simple as a major disagreement, the birth of children, a career climax or a big loss such as the death of a loved one.
Whether or not the seven-year itch is real, it is important for married couples to be aware of the possibility that their marriage could end. If you are considering filing for divorce, it is best to work with a Tampa family law attorney who has extensive experience in these types of cases.
What Are Some of the Unique Circumstances That Can Lead to a Divorce After Seven Years?
While no one enters a marriage with the expectation that they will divorce, it is inevitable that some couples will end their unions. On average, a couple makes it around seven years before they get divorced. Many times the impetus for a divorce is an extramarital affair.
A marriage can also experience challenges at the 7 year mark. For example, a spouse may start spending more time at work or taking on extra duties outside the home, which can create tension in the relationship. Another common issue is financial problems. A spouse may feel like they aren’t getting the same amount of support from their partner.
It is also important to note that while some people use the term seven-year itch as an indicator of a problem in their marriage, each marriage experiences its own unique difficulties at different times. For instance, some people may struggle in their marriage for decades before they decide to end it.