The Divorce Expert: 86% Of People Who Divorce Remarry! Why Sex Is Causing Divorces!

James Sexton, one of America's most prominent divorce lawyers, shares his expert perspective on why marriages fail and what couples can do to prevent dissolution. The conversation reveals that despite high divorce rates, 86% of divorced people remarry, indicating that people generally still believe in marriage and partnership. Sexton explains that prenuptial agreements have become increasingly common tools for protecting assets and establishing financial boundaries, though they often surface uncomfortable conversations about money and expectations. One shocking example he shares involves a prenup with a clause penalizing weight gain, illustrating how some people attempt to contractually enforce physical appearance standards. The discussion addresses major causes of divorce, with sex and infidelity emerging as surprisingly significant factors. Sexton notes that there are notable gender differences in sexual desire and cheating patterns, though both occur across genders. The conversation explores why some individuals seek affairs outside their marriages, including cases where husbands have relationships with household employees, revealing deeper dissatisfaction or communication breakdowns. Beyond infidelity, money consistently ranks as a major divorce catalyst. Sexton explains how financial deception, hidden assets, and unequal earning power create relationship strain. He details scenarios where people attempt to hide money through lottery winnings or other means, noting that financial liability in marriages extends to debts incurred by either spouse. The episode discusses how social media and comparison culture have created unrealistic expectations about relationships. Many people experience what Sexton calls 'fake happiness,' maintaining appearances while their marriages deteriorate privately. He emphasizes that healthy relationships require genuine communication, not performance for external audiences. The conversation addresses whether open relationships solve marital problems, with Sexton suggesting they often mask underlying trust and commitment issues rather than resolve them. He questions whether society has sold couples an unrealistic, idyllic vision of marriage that sets relationships up for failure. The episode also touches on LGBTQ+ divorce issues and how legal protections have evolved. Throughout, Sexton emphasizes prevention strategies including honest communication, realistic expectations, and addressing problems before they become insurmountable. He reflects on the emotional toll of his work, discussing moments of profound sadness when witnessing relationship dissolution and its impact on families.