Top 10 Reasons for Divorce in Canada

While exchanging wedding vows, couples promise to stay with each other till death. They figure out how to live happily together, even though they might have opposite personalities and interests.

However, not all couples wind up creating the perfect picture in their lives. Many issues emerge over time, leading them to the court’s door to get a divorce. And in Canada, the number of divorced people is alarmingly high.

According to Statista, around 2.78 million people obtained divorces in 2022. The most common reasons for divorce in Canada are monetary issues, adultery, followed by cruelty, or domestic violence.

Why do Couples Divorce?

There are some characteristics in a spouse or circumstances – the divorce causes – that may lead partners to divorce. When you can no longer deal with your relationship, divorce may be the best solution.

When spouses feel they have given everything they have to their relationship, they may decide that it is time to dissolve their marriage, though the cost of divorce can be higher than you expected.

Do you believe this situation may happen to you?

It’s fairly unusual for couples to argue and reconcile until they finally split apart. Don’t forget about your relationship problems. You never know; your relationship may be heading down the same rough path!

What Percentage of Marriages End in Divorce?

Although the number of marriages that end in divorce appears to be modest, the fact is that around 50% of marriages end in divorce.

Not only that, but statistics show that most couples divorce within the first seven years of marriage. So, what year of marriage is the most common for divorce?

As a couple approaches their tenth anniversary, marital satisfaction is considered to rise.

You may not be wrong if you believe you know why people divorce or how many marriages end in divorce, but there are certain causes for divorce that you could never have predicted.

What are the Top 10 Reasons for Divorce in Canada?

During the last few decades, the top reasons for divorce in Canada have changed multiple times. There is no doubt that these reasons vary because one couple may take the decision drastically due to adultery or sometimes domestic violence.

And on the other hand, these include lack of money, ongoing arguments, lack of affection, and domestic violence. We will look at each factor separately to understand why so many marriages end in divorce.

Here are the top 10 leading reasons Canadians apply for divorce:

1. Financial Issue

Wondering what the most common reason for divorce is in Canada? It often comes down to money. Around 68% of Canadians believe that financial conflict—whether it’s disagreements over spending, debts, or property-related issues—plays a major role in marital breakdowns. Money-related stress can build over time, leading to arguments, resentment, and even feelings of betrayal. Differences in financial values or unexpected financial hardships can strain a relationship, making it harder for couples to communicate and stay emotionally connected, ultimately contributing to divorce.

2. Infidelity

Infidelity is another leading cause of divorce in Canada, often shattering trust in a marriage. Even in seemingly perfect relationships, one partner’s extramarital affair can cause irreparable damage. For the court to consider it as infidelity, there must be a sexual relationship with someone outside the marriage. The emotional toll of betrayal can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of hurt, anger, and mistrust. Rebuilding a marriage after infidelity is difficult, and for many couples, the damage is too great to repair, making divorce the only way forward.

3. Domestic Violence

The court often takes quick action for the person who filed the divorce case on the grounds of domestic violence. Violent behavior, physical abuse, sexual abuse, damage to property, and threatening or controlling behavior for a long time are some grounds an individual may file for divorce. The courts typically take swift action to protect the person filing for divorce, recognizing the urgency of ensuring safety and ending abusive patterns in the relationship. Domestic violence is a major factor in divorce, as it undermines trust, safety, and love.

4. Psychological Abuse 

Psychological abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse. A marriage may fall apart if one spouse is not respectful to the other person. Insulting or criticizing, yelling, controlling the right to perform cultural or religious actions, and dominating behavior are the causes of divorce under psychological abuse. When one partner controls or restricts the other’s ability to practice their culture or religion, or engages in dominating and manipulative behavior, it creates a toxic environment. Over time, this emotional harm can destroy trust and love, leaving the affected spouse feeling trapped and powerless. For many, psychological abuse becomes a key reason to file for divorce in order to regain their emotional well-being and independence.

5. Lack of Affection

Another leading cause of divorce in Canada is the lack of love or affection couples had in the early days of a wedding or relationship. This may happen gradually over a longer period. n the early stages of a marriage, couples often share deep love and intimacy, but over time, this affection can fade. This may happen slowly, often going unnoticed until the emotional distance becomes too great to ignore. As one partner feels neglected or unappreciated, the relationship can lose its spark, leading to feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction. For many couples, the absence of love and affection creates a significant wedge, ultimately causing the marriage to fall apart.

The court considers this one of the grounds for divorce because it is better to end or leave a toxic marriage than to drag it further for no reason.

6. Less focus on an intimate relationship

A difference in sexual appetite or interest is one of the most common reasons for divorce. It causes dissatisfaction and arguments, and the marriage breaks down because of a lack of intimacy. or many, a healthy physical relationship is essential for maintaining closeness and bonding, and when that connection weakens, it can contribute to a growing divide in the marriage, ultimately leading to divorce.

7. Differences in Personality

Every household is different, as is the upbringing of their parents. Instead of being respectful of their values, religion, and political views, arguments may follow, and it can be a source of resentment and detachment in the relationship. Over time, these disagreements can lead to resentment, emotional detachment, and a growing sense of incompatibility. Instead of celebrating their differences, couples may find themselves arguing more frequently, which can ultimately contribute to the breakdown of the marriage.

8. Non-stop Conflict

Constant conflict is a major factor in many divorces in Canada. Most of the time, in marriages, people have certain expectations from each other. But the issue arises when expectations get higher. When couples find themselves constantly fighting over issues without trying to resolve them, or when there’s a lack of effort to work through challenges together, the relationship can become exhausting. This ongoing tension erodes the emotional connection and trust, making it difficult to move forward. For many, the inability to resolve conflicts peacefully leads to frustration and, eventually, divorce.

9. Married at a Young Age

When young adults get married without a long-term commitment, they start getting bored with each other after noticing the drawbacks of their decision. Many young couples experience a shift in their feelings as they mature and grow, realizing that they may not be as compatible as they once thought. As they begin to recognize the challenges and drawbacks of their early decision, feelings of dissatisfaction and regret can set in. This often leads to one or both partners filing for divorce, as they seek to move forward and build a life that better aligns with their evolving needs and goals.

10. Addiction

Any uncontrollable addiction, for example, drugs, gambling, medications, or alcohol, alters an average person’s behavioral pattern. They do not act like before, and the stress of living with an addicted person is unbearable for any spouse. As the addiction worsens, trust breaks down, and emotional and physical distance grows. Over time, the constant cycle of disappointment and instability often leads to the breakdown of the relationship, with many couples ultimately choosing divorce to escape the toxic environment.

And the situation gets worse when the other person is not willing to receive treatment. Consequently, a divorce is inevitable.

What is the Leading Cause of Divorce in Canada?

There are a variety of factors that can contribute to divorce in Canada, and it’s difficult to pinpoint any one specific cause as the leading factor. However, some common themes have been identified in the research on why divorce is so common.

One common reason people get divorced is communication breakdown. This can include issues such as lack of communication, misunderstandings, and disagreements that escalate into arguments. When couples cannot effectively communicate with one another, it can create a cycle of negativity that can eventually lead to the breakdown of the marriage.

Another common factor is financial stress. Financial strain can put a significant amount of pressure on a marriage, particularly when couples have different views on money management or when they face unexpected expenses. Financial difficulties can also lead to disagreements and resentment, which can further strain the relationship.

“Money is estimated to be the primary cause of divorce, resulting in over 68% of all separations.”

Infidelity is another common factor that can contribute to divorce. When one or both partners engage in extramarital affairs, it can cause a significant breach of trust that can be difficult to repair. Infidelity can also lead to feelings of anger, betrayal, and jealousy, which can create a toxic environment in the relationship.

Other factors that can contribute to divorce include substance abuse, domestic violence, and incompatibility. In some cases, couples may simply grow apart over time or may find that they have different goals and priorities that make it difficult to maintain a healthy relationship.

Ultimately, the reasons for divorce are complex and varied, and it’s important to remember that every situation is unique.

While there may be common themes as to why marriages fail in Canada, it’s important to approach each case with empathy and understanding to support couples through this difficult process.

Conclusion

Factors influencing the decision to divorce may differ, but the biggest reason for divorce in Canada is conflicts or arguments about money or property-related issues.

However, if you are dealing with similar problems, you should first consider consulting with a family or divorce lawyer who has enough experience in these cases.

A lawyer may help you settle the issue, reach a conclusion, and also assist during the divorce proceedings if both you and your spouse have consent.

FAQs

Here are the answers to the common questions you may have in mind.