Who is more likely to instigate divorce? Men or women? How about same-sex couples?

Question

I have heard that (in hetro relationships) the woman generally instigates divorce, but the man causes it (always the evil man!). I am wondering if we know about same sex couples? This would be illuminating.

I am trying to debunk the notion that men are to blame when statistics show 9 out of 10 divorces are filed by women. This is why I am looking at same-sex couples for control purposes.

What triggered this investigation was this:
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MDgwMDQ5ZWU1NzUwZmI0NzQwNWQ3MGEwY2JjMWRkM2Y=

Which says:
"(Divorce risk for lesbian partnerships in Scandinavia is far higher than the already high divorce risk for male partnerships. But that’s another story.)"

It may be true that woman are not satisfied with men's behaviour in marriage as far as romantic things. But most men I know are good providers. And lets face reality, men are not monogamous by our very nature whereas women are. So I think the modern man deserves some credit for adapting so well to an institution that is 100% orientated to conform to women's biological nature. Give em an inch and they want 10 miles.

Answer 1

It is more likely that a woman will be the one who files the petition or complaint; however, it is my impression that the decision to no longer try to keep the marriage going is made about half by men and half by women.

The spouse with lower income is more likely to file, since a major function of the divorce action is to divide and equalize assets and shift income from the higher earner to the lower earner as child support or alimony. Women still tend to have lower incomes than their husbands, and so account for more of the filings.

There have not been enough domestic partnerships or same-sex marriages to have a good idea what happens when those relationships end. However, I would predict, again, that the lower income partner will be the one more likely to file, since resort to the court is the only way he/she is going to get what the domestic partnership law/marriage provides for.

Answer 2

I really believe that women are more likely to instigate divorce. Unfortunatley, men want to stay married they just may not want to do the other things it takes to keep a marriege going. Now that's not very fair I know, and each situation is different...this is just my own experience talking.

Answer 3

I'd think women. They have the most to gain by being single. Does homosexual couples divorce? I never heard of any statistics on this. Being they are the same sex - it wouldnt matter who instigates the divorce...

Answer 4

Usually men in most cases but this can very. It is usually the man that does the harm in marriages but women can too. I definitley would not know about the same sex marriages.

Answer 5

I particularly have no longer something to conceal approximately me - however some who criticise me or have accomplished so have lots to conceal. I reported to my female final night that I had to bathe my hair - she reported, "that isn't take long!". Hmmm... women i think of.