Recent data shows that chronic sicknesses significantly impact marriages. In fact, studies show that 75 percent of marriages that involve serious illnesses end in divorce. A severe illness tends to put added stress onto a marriage. When added pressure hinders a marriage, divorce could be the best option for a couple. A spouse considering divorce should contact a lawyer to help with the difficult legal process.
How Can a Chronic Illness Affect My Marriage?
When an individual is diagnosed with a chronic illness, it has a significant impact on their ability to provide in the marriage. This includes providing financially, physically, emotionally, or mentally. Not being able to provide often contributes to hardships in a household.
One way marital problems could occur is if a spouse must become a caretaker. Caretaking is an important role, but it can be difficult. Many caregivers have to balance their career, children, and caretaking responsibilities. This can add extra pressure on an individual, leading to marital problems and even divorce. This may be particularly true for male caregivers, who are often not used to caretaking and domestic tasks. Similarly, a wife could feel that the husband’s care is inadequate, leading to marital differences.
Financial security is important for everyone. When a chronic illness negatively affects finances, it could also impact the marriage. This is especially true if one spouse must handle the finances while caring for their partner and children. The burden of handling the income may also lead to hardships.
Additionally, a couple may face more pressure in the relationship if an illness forces one parent to take on all of the parenting responsibilities. Children, especially younger ones, require a lot of time and energy. A spouse, particularly one that is not used to primarily taking care of their children, may feel overwhelmed with these new responsibilities. They may feel that a divorce allows them to look for a new spouse that can help with the duties involved with parenthood.
Does Gender Affect Divorce Trends?
According to a study from the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, gender may affect divorce trends when chronic illnesses are involved. Researchers looked at 2,500 marriages for over a decade, and they found that wives who have chronic illnesses are more likely to be divorced compared to husbands with sicknesses.
The study looked at thousands of couples, and the results of the study found that approximately one-third of the studied marriages ended in divorce when illnesses were involved. Twenty-five percent of the marriages ended because of the death of a spouse. Also, in most cases, a husband’s illness did not increase the likelihood of divorce.
What Should I Do if My Spouse Has a Serious Illness?
If one or both spouses are struggling because of a chronic illness, it is best to seek help. While it is recommended that a couple seeks professional help, they could also speak to a friend or family member for support or advice.
When a couple allows themselves to receive support from family or friends, it can help relieve the burdens that resulted from the chronic illness. Whether it is allowing a family member to babysit the children or clean the house, it can be help. When a couple accepts help, they can focus on themselves, and they can strengthen their marriage.
Another tip is to find a support group that deals with similar issues. When a couple can find friends who have comparable problems, it can help them feel less isolated. It can also be advantageous to talk to people who understand the negative effects of chronic illnesses. Speaking to those who can empathize is helpful for a couple.
The couple should also consider seeking professional help from a marital counselor. Although it is more formal, marital counseling can provide couples with a lot of support. Counselors are trained to handle each individual’s emotions and the way they react as a team. This can ultimately help repair a marriage affected by a chronic illness.
What Should I Do if I Want a Divorce?
Sometimes, divorce is the best option for those dealing with the stress of a chronic illness. The first step to a divorce is contacting the right lawyer. It is crucial to contact a lawyer because they can help represent the client’s best interests. The divorce process often deals with a variety of sensitive topics, including child custody and property division. Therefore, having a lawyer helps a client obtain the best results.
Bel Air Divorce Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Help Clients Interested in Divorce
If you are thinking about divorce, you need to contact our Bel Air divorce lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC. We understand how chronic illnesses severely impact marriages and divorce proceedings. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 443-589-0150 today. Located in Hunt Valley and Towson, Maryland, we serve clients throughout Baltimore, Baltimore County, Bel Air, Bentley Springs, Columbia, Freeland, Hereford, Hampton, Westminster, Essex, Monkton, Sparks Glencoe, Parkton, Phoenix, Pikesville, White Hall, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County.
