When filing for divorce, no one cites their commute as one of the reasons why their marriage ended. However, studies do show that it could be connected. For instance, when looking at situations where one person had a commute of 45 minutes or more, studies have found that there is a 45% increase in the odds of divorce.
This mostly applies if it was a relatively recent development. Couples who had been living with a long commute for more than five years barely saw any increase in their divorce odds. But if one partner took a new job that had a longer commute than they were used to, that is when it could contribute to the end of the marriage.
Work schedules and time together
Part of the reason for this statistical change is likely that couples who have a long commute have more demanding work schedules. They spend less time together. A person who works from home, for example, theoretically has an hour and a half more to spend with their spouse, even if they work the same number of hours as the person with a 45-minute commute to the office.
Time apart can negatively affect relationships. This is especially true when it cuts into what couples would otherwise consider their personal time. If the couple has children, one spouse may feel that they do the majority of the parenting while the other person is just at work or commuting, so the roles do not seem even or fair. This can lead to conflict and stress for the married couple.
This does not mean that a commute is the only reason people get divorced, but it does help to show how these complex factors can affect relationships. Those who are going through the divorce process need to know what legal steps to take.