Is there ever a “right” time to walk away from your marriage? Are there red flags that show up early—but we ignore them? In this emotionally raw episode of Uncover Your Eyes, Dr. Meenal Agarwal sits down with international family lawyer Samara Iqbal to expose the most common, unexpected, and heartbreaking reasons marriages fall apart.
From infidelity and financial abuse to communication breakdown and emotional detachment, this conversation uncovers why divorce is rising, especially in high-stress careers like healthcare—and how to protect your finances and mental health before it’s too late.
Whether you're considering divorce, trying to save your relationship, or just want to understand the signs of a toxic marriage, this is the conversation you need to hear.
4 Key Takeaways:
- Most divorces are initiated by women, often after a buildup of infidelity, emotional abuse, or financial control.
- Healthcare professionals face higher divorce rates due to emotional burnout and lack of work-life balance.
- Financial independence and awareness are critical—know your assets, accounts, and where key documents are.
- “Never fully trust—even your spouse.” Be prepared for life’s curveballs, even if it feels uncomfortable to plan for the worst.
Timestamps:
- (00:00) What sparks cheating in high-powered men
- (01:00) Why healthcare professionals have higher divorce rates
- (02:42) Who files first—men or women?
- (03:24) Divorce among wealthy vs. low-income couples
- (04:06) Cultural & expat dynamics in divorce
- (04:36) Power imbalance & infidelity
- (06:25) What women say before filing for divorce
- (07:00) Top 5 reasons for divorce
- (07:30) Communication & emotional detachment
- (13:00) Worst case Samara ever handled
- (17:00) When lawyers know their clients are lying
- (21:00) How to financially protect yourself in marriage
- (24:00) Samara’s thoughts on prenups
- (25:00) The dirtiest divorce tricks
- (26:16) Why lawyers drop (or fire) clients
- (27:30) Red flags to watch for before marriage or early on
- (29:00) Can couples ever come back from the brink?
About the Guest:
Samara Iqbal is a UK-based international family solicitor with a global practice in expat divorce, custody battles, and financial litigation. She specializes in high-conflict separations and has represented clients across the UK, US, Europe, and the Middle East. Known for her honest yet empathetic approach, she’s a sought-after expert in domestic abuse law, asset protection, and family legal strategy.
Resource Links:
- Watch full episode on YouTube: Uncover Your Eyes
- Follow Dr. Meenal on Instagram: @dr.meenalagarwal
- Connect with Samara Iqbal: @doexpatlawyer
- Follow Samara on In
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