It Is Right to Get a Divorce - Essay Example

It is Right to Get a Divorce It is Right to Get a Divorce Introduction A close analysis of the American population reveals that divorce rates have increased immensely. Statistics indicate that about 50% of all first marriages are subject to divorce while the rates are higher in the case of second marriages. People have highlighted different reasons that motivate them to divorce. However, there is an increasing conviction in the society that couples should try to work thing out instead of opting for a divorce. In some states, the law does not allow divorce proceedings while other states make it extremely difficult to obtain a divorce. Many people in the society believe that divorce is morally wrong and should not be an option. Such individuals base their arguments on the potential consequences of a divorce to both partners as well as children. However, a close consideration of some situations that occur in marriages reveals that couples should have a right to divorce. This paper will describe some of the reasons why couples should have a right to divorce. Body Many people do not consider the option of a divorce when they are getting into a marriage. Some of them are blinded by the bliss that defines a marriage in the early days. It is unfortunate that some people do not realize that marriage is a weighty decision that needs proper preparation. The disillusion that a couple will live happily together prevents some couples from taking the relevant measures to keep their marriage strong. In the end, such couples realize that their marriage has weakened and begin the face the realities of reaching a compromise in their relationship. Such individuals may realize that they married the wrong person, or the relationship has caused too much harm to both parties. When such cases occur, individuals need to begin on a clean slit probably with a different partner. There are situations when both partners weight out the potential for saving a marriage and both have the conviction that things are beyond repair. At such points, it is only fair if the law grants the couple a right to obtain a divorce so that they can rebuild their lives (Abedinia, Bolhari, Ramezanzadeh, & Naghizadeh, 2012). Experiences from people who have obtained a divorce or separated reveal that difficulties in a marriage can cause too much damage to an individual. For example, women who endure domestic violence in their marriages are likely to suffer immensely. Over time, such women lose their self-esteem and begin to experience the feelings of worthlessness. Some of them may try to solve the problem of violence, but with no success. Research highlights that some women choose to ensure in such relationships, a factor that serves to hurt them more. When such women reflect on their situation and realize that they deserve much better from a marriage, they may gain the strength to move away. It would be so unfair if the law did not allow such women to gain their freedom and rediscover themselves after an abusive relationship. The option of choosing to stick with such a partner may lead to further negative consequences, the worst case being death. For this reason, when a partner is experiencing such measures of violence and damage to the individual, he or she should consider getting a divorce (Hawkins, Willoughby, & Doherty, 2012). The basis for a strong marriage is usually a high level of commitment from both partners. However, it is not always the case that each partner exhibits the required level of commitment. Many people having difficulties in marriages have been keen to highlight that their partners have not exhibited the required level of commitment. When there is a lack of commitment from either party, it becomes extremely difficult to make any sacrifice for the relationship. Such situations make it evident that the couple does not have similar goals. Whereas one individual may be focusing on establishing a brighter future for the marriage, the lack of commitment from the other party may motivate him or her to tear the marriage down. It is unfortunate that some people choose to make such relationships work while it is evident that a partner’s lack of commitment is highly disastrous to the relationship. Therefore, individuals who find themselves trapped in such relationships should have a right to divorce and be able to move on with their lives and reestablish themselves. In my view, there are no benefits of sticking in a marriage relationship while both parties want different things for themselves (Smith, 2010). Couples should have the right to decide when a marriage should be over as long as it is no functioning. The society has proven to be very compromising on morality levels, a factor that makes infidelity in marriages a common aspect. When a partner recognizes that the other party has been unfaithful, the marriage faces critical difficulties. It is extremely difficult to accept the infidelity of a partner who chooses to compromise the value of the marriage relationship. Worst still, infidelity may expose the couple to numerous dangers such as sexually transmitted diseases. In such cases, a divorce should be the best option so that it can serve to reestablish the moral boundaries of a marriage. Worth noting is the fact that different religions allow divorce based on adultery. For this reason, infidelity in a relationship should allow the couple to get a divorce if they so choose. However, there are partners who choose to work beyond the infidelity together. Since the choice to divorce or not is personal, it is unfair to blame such individuals. However, the society should not compel an individual to stick to a non-faithful partner. The option of divorce should be available for partners who cannot bear with infidelity (Abedinia et al., 2012). Many people arguing against divorce have highlighted that couples should strive to make a marriage work, especially for the sake of the children. However, there are situations when a divorce is the best option for the children. For example, when either of their parents have exposed children to sexual abuse, the couple should divorce if they are to protect the welfare of the children. In marriages where children are exposed to extreme cases of trauma, the parents should settle for a divorce in order to safeguard the welfare of the children. Notably, children exposed to any form of trauma may suffer adverse effects in later stages of their lives. Therefore, for the sake of promoting the safety of children, a couple should have a right to divorce. It is the role of the society to protect the sanctity of marriage, as well as its integrity. Unfortunately, the modern society has reached a point of compromise that does not define the moral boundaries in a marriage (Hawkins, Willoughby, & Doherty, 2012). It is the role of the society to take measures to restore the honor and integrity of marriage institutions. Therefore, the society should make divorce options available when either of the parties has compromised the moral responsibility expected in a marriage. In such cases, divorce will serve to protect the individuals and children from further harm. It is a critical consideration for the law to allow couples to divorce in extreme cases of failed marriages. Conclusion Evidently, there are many reasons that explain why the law should give couples the right to divorce. Marriages may face critical times that the partners can overcome. However, there are extreme cases that justify the option of a divorce. As highlighted above, when a marriage compromises the safety of either the individual or the child, then a divorce should be an option. Allowing couples to divorce should serve as a measure to protect the moral boundaries of marriage institutions. In cases of infidelity, extreme negligence, abuse, and lack of commitment, couples should be able to file for a divorce. References Abedinia, N., Bolhari, J., Ramezanzadeh, F., & Naghizadeh, M. M. (2012). Comparison of Predisposing and Effective Factors on Divorce Application between Men and Women. Journal of Family & Reproductive Health, 6(2), 65-72. Hawkins, A. J., Willoughby, B. J., & Doherty, W. J. (2012). Reasons for Divorce and Openness to Marital Reconciliation. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 53(6), 453-463. doi:10.1080/10502556.2012.682898. Smith, M. A. (2010). Religion, Divorce, and the Missing Culture War in America. Political Science Quarterly (Academy of Political Science), 125(1), 57. Read More