Social divorce is a gradual, covert process that precedes formal separation; it is characterized by emotional detachment, a decline in daily interactions, and a sense of internal alienation between spouses, inflicting profound harm on both the family and society. This study employs a qualitative approach and grounded theory methodology to sociologically examine the process of social divorce among couples in Alborz Province. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 40 couples who had experienced social divorce and were analyzed across three coding levels—open (200 codes), axial (60 codes), and selective (7 codes). Based on the paradigm model, the findings were categorized into causal factors (emotional and communicative breakdown, economic and livelihood pressures, mistrust and psychological insecurity), contextual conditions (cultural and generational conflicts), intervening conditions (external pressures and lack of support), and strategies and consequences (psychological collapse and emotional divorce). The results indicate that social divorce is a multi-causal phenomenon with consequences observable at three levels: individual (depression, anxiety, diminished self-esteem), familial (harm to children and family structural breakdown), and societal (social isolation and erosion of social capital). While highlighting the pivotal role of economic and cultural factors within the specific context of Alborz Province, the study underscores the necessity of designing interdisciplinary preventive and support programs.