What are Common Causes of Divorce for Law Enforcement Professionals?

Through my personal life, and my work, I have been fortunate to meet many law enforcement professionals in New Jersey. Some are family members, some are clients, and many are friends. I respect their commitment and sacrifice. However, it saddens me when I see the toll their job takes on their personal lives. Because we handle family law, I have seen common causes of divorce for law enforcement professionals.

It’s Not Just Police Officers

When we think of law enforcement professionals, we often only think of our local police departments. But there are many other types serving and protecting us. In New Jersey, we have law enforcement professionals at the local and state level. Examples include:

• Municipal and City Police Officers
• Campus Police
• New Jersey State Troopers
• Corrections Officers
• Fish & Game Wardens

And, did you know, there are almost 200,000 full-time federal law enforcement professionals? When thinking about it, I came up with the following list of law enforcement types at the federal level. I am sure I left out a few examples but here is my list anyway:

• FBI Agents
• DEA Agents
• U.S. Marshals
• ATF Agents
• U.S. Border Patrol Agents
• Immigration & Customs Agents
• Bureau of Indian Affairs Agents
• National Park Service Rangers
• U.S. Secret Service Agents and Officers

Regardless of the job, jurisdiction, or agency, I know the common causes of divorce for law enforcement professionals.

The Job Can Impact the Relationship

When talking to my law enforcement friends, families, and especially clients going through a divorce, several things become clear. The first thing is that it is hard to be a law enforcement professional. You have work-related requirements and stresses, unlike most other workers. Let’s take a closer look at some of these unique circumstances.

1. Schedules. Most law enforcement professionals do not have your typical “9-5” job. Many work long shifts, off-hour shifts, or must be on extended special assignments. The schedule, an often-overlooked sacrifice, impacts both the officer and the family. Being absent on holidays, special events, kid activities, and important milestones is often the norm. But it takes a toll. The absent spouse/parent is riddled with guilt and exhaustion, and the resentment grows within the other spouse/parent.
2. Danger. Obviously, there is a high level of danger as a law enforcement professional. Whether or not, you are directly in harm’s way, the constant threat of danger raises stress levels. Besides the danger to themselves, law enforcement professionals must deal with violent criminals and their victims, and gruesome crime scenes. This part of the job may be the hardest and the stress can impact your personal relationships.
3. Coping. Without the right systems to deal with stress, law enforcement professionals will become increasingly anxious, angry, and depressed. I read that 30% of police officers experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Also, I read that, in some years, more law enforcement officers die by suicide than in the line of duty. These are indeed tragic comments. So, again, without the right systems or professional help, law enforcement professionals cope with the stress on their own. Unfortunately, this can lead to alcohol and drug abuse, and other unhealthy coping mechanisms.

We Know What You Are Going Through

The above real-life issues are some common causes of divorce for law enforcement professionals. Not can these issues lead to divorce, but they also affect other family law issues. For example, your work schedule may complicate custody and parenting time arrangements. Or the stresses lead to incidents of domestic violence. Regardless of your situation, we have years of experience navigating the stressful nature of divorce. You will help you do what is best for you and your family.

The divorce lawyers and child custody attorneys at Gray Law Group can help. Give us a call!