Does Polyamory Lead To Divorce?
The CDC quotes the current divorce rate as 2.4 per 1,000 people. No matter the structure of the relationship, many marriages end in divorce.
Still, you might be curious as to whether certain types of relationships are more likely to last. Whether you’re exploring polyamory or just want to know the chances of a polyamorous relationship surviving the test of time, you’re in the right place. Find out what you need to know about polyamorous marriages and divorce with a Rock Hill divorce lawyer.
What Is Polyamory?
Polyamory is a relationship structure in which each party has consented to the other having romantic or sexual relationships with others. In some spaces, this is known as consensual non-monogamy, swinging, or having an open marriage.
There are many reasons why people choose to be in polyamorous relationships. Some people believe that monogamy is unnatural and that humans are not meant to be with just one person for the rest of their lives. In other cases, a relationship may have started out as monogamous and evolved into polyamory as one or more partners wanted to see other people.
Do Polyamorous Couples Get Divorce More Often Than Others?
Answering this question is complicated, as there are not many verified statistics on polyamory, including how many married couples practice it.
One study suggests that one in nine people have participated in a polyamorous relationship at some point in their lives. One in six people would like to participate in this type of arrangement.
It seems that polyamorous desires and experiences are common, but that doesn’t mean that a large number of married couples actually practice polyamory or even want to. Statistics from the Pew Research Center suggest that 61% of those who are divorced, separated, or widowed believe that having an open marriage (a form of polyamory) is unacceptable.
Some of these unfavorable attitudes toward polyamory could be from divorced couples who tried it and then got divorced or separated. However, this is merely a hypothesis, and there is little concrete evidence available to back up such claims.
How Polyamory Can Save or Sabotage a Marriage
Some couples believe that polyamory is the key to saving their marriage. Perhaps spouses have developed feelings for another person and want to explore those feelings without having to divorce. It also could be the case that one spouse is not having their sexual needs met, and the other spouse supports them in seeking satisfaction elsewhere.
Still, issues can develop with polyamorous relationships that eventually lead to divorce. These include:
- Spouses developing different feelings toward the practice of polyamory
- Spouses experiencing jealousy about their partner’s other relationships
- Spouses not getting along with their partner’s other love interests
- Spouses feeling that the terms of their polyamorous relationship are unfair
If these issues are not resolved, a polyamorous couple could be led down the path of permanent dissolution of the marriage.
Polyamory Makes Divorce Cases More Complex
Divorce cases involving polyamorous relationships are often complicated. They may involve strong emotional bonds with multiple people, which can be painful to break. Additionally, there can be increased potential for disputes over the division of property, child custody, and other decisions.
If you’ve been involved in a polyamorous marriage or otherwise have a complicated divorce, seeking the advice of an attorney is highly advised. It’s a good idea to partner with someone who fully understands how the law applies to your situation. With an attorney, you’ll have someone on your side advocating for your rights and your best interests.
Contact an Experienced Family Law Attorney at Minor Law Divorce Lawyers for Legal Advice
To learn more and get the help you deserve, call our divorce & family law firm Minor Law Divorce Lawyers in Rock Hill, SC at (803) 504-0971 or contact us online today.
You can also visit our law firm at 1273 Ebenezer Rd, Suite B, Rock Hill, SC 29732.
We serve throughout York County.
