Manhattan, NY - Sexual incompatibility, while often difficult to talk about, is a significant factor in the breakdown of many marriages. Manhattan divorce attorney Juan Luciano of Juan Luciano Divorce Lawyer (https://divorcelawfirmnyc.com/divorce-over-sexual-incompatibility/) is helping individuals understand their rights and options when physical and emotional intimacy becomes a source of conflict rather than connection. For couples throughout New York City, unresolved differences in sexual needs can lead to serious strain, sometimes resulting in the end of the relationship.

As a Manhattan divorce attorney, Juan Luciano has worked with many clients whose marriages have been impacted by deep emotional and physical disconnect. “Sexual incompatibility is not simply about wanting sex more or less frequently than your spouse,” says Luciano. “It encompasses a complex series of mismatches that can make sexual intimacy frustrating, unfulfilling, or even painful for one or both partners.” These issues, often left unspoken for years, can erode the foundation of even long-term marriages.
Manhattan divorce attorney Juan Luciano works with clients who find themselves unable to bridge this type of divide. According to Luciano, sexual incompatibility can involve more than just desire discrepancy. Some couples face differences in preferred forms of intimacy, comfort levels, timing, or emotional needs during sex. For others, physical or medical issues may play a role. No matter the cause, the emotional toll is significant, and when communication around these concerns breaks down, the relationship may become unsustainable.
Manhattan divorce attorney Juan Luciano notes that for many couples, this issue doesn’t start as a crisis. It often builds slowly, deepening over time and creating a cycle of silence, shame, and resentment. Some couples hope the problem will resolve itself or avoid addressing it out of fear of judgment. Unfortunately, the longer it remains unspoken, the more damage it can cause. Luciano emphasizes the importance of honest conversations, whether through counseling or legal support, when the emotional and physical disconnect becomes too wide to fix.
Sexual incompatibility can also have legal implications in New York. Under the state's divorce laws, persistent refusal of sexual relations may qualify as constructive abandonment, a fault-based ground for divorce. Juan Luciano explains that to use this legal basis, one spouse must show that the refusal continued for at least one year and that repeated requests for sexual relations were denied without a valid reason. "Courts have consistently held that sexual abandonment represents abandonment of the very essence of marriage itself," Luciano says.
However, proving constructive abandonment involves meeting specific legal criteria. A single refusal is not enough, and the refusal must be willful, not the result of illness, trauma, or the requesting spouse’s own behavior. Luciano helps clients prepare the necessary documentation, from timelines of requests to personal statements, to support their case in court. Whether filing at the New York County courthouse on Centre Street or exploring mediation, understanding this legal pathway is essential for those pursuing divorce based on sexual incompatibility.
Luciano also points out that while some couples try to maintain the appearance of a functioning marriage, the emotional distance caused by intimacy issues often affects other parts of the relationship. Emotional disconnection, arguments, and even infidelity are common consequences. "When physical intimacy consistently disappoints or causes conflict, emotional intimacy typically suffers as well," he says. Over time, couples may find themselves feeling more like roommates than spouses, with frustration and guilt taking the place of affection and understanding.
For many clients, the impact goes beyond the relationship itself. The stress of living in a sexually unfulfilling marriage can affect mental and physical health. Luciano has seen clients experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, and anger related to these issues, especially when they feel isolated or unable to express their needs. He believes that addressing the legal side of the issue, with care and professionalism, can be a first step toward healing and starting over.
Juan Luciano Divorce Lawyer provides support for clients throughout Manhattan, from the Upper East Side and Midtown to Tribeca and the Lower East Side. Whether clients choose to proceed through mediation or litigation, Luciano works to ensure their concerns are taken seriously and their rights are protected. His approach focuses on clear communication and helping clients make informed decisions during a difficult time.
Ending a marriage is never easy, especially when the cause involves something as personal as sexual incompatibility. But with clear legal guidance and emotional clarity, individuals can move forward toward a more fulfilling future. Juan Luciano encourages those facing these challenges to take action rather than continue living in silence. “Choosing to end a marriage for this reason is about understanding your needs and prioritizing your well-being,” he says.
Individuals considering divorce due to persistent sexual incompatibility should explore their legal options and seek support early in the process. The right guidance can make all the difference when navigating such a personal issue within the framework of New York law.
About Juan Luciano Divorce Lawyer:
Juan Luciano Divorce Lawyer is a New York City-based family law practice led by Manhattan divorce attorney Juan Luciano. The firm serves clients across the five boroughs with legal representation focused on divorce, separation, child custody, and related family law matters. Juan Luciano is known for helping clients move forward with practical solutions and personalized attention in difficult situations.
Email: juan@divorcelawfirmnyc.com
Media Contact

Name
Juan Luciano Divorce Lawyer - Manhattan
Contact name
Juan Luciano
Contact phone
(212) 537-5859
Contact address
347 5th Ave STE 1003
City
New York
State
New York
Zip
10016
Country
United States
Url
https://divorcelawfirmnyc.com/


