How Does Marrying Too Young Cause Divorce?

When you think of reasons for divorce, what comes to mind? Financial issues, lack of communication, adultery and addiction top the list. However, for many couples, marrying too young is a common issue.

A study showed that marrying too young was cited as a major reason for divorce by 45% of participants. But how exactly does that contribute to the breakdown of a marriage? Is there really a difference when a person marries in their early 20s versus their 30s or 40s?

There is. Think back to your late teens and early 20s. Are you the same person back then as you are today? Most likely, you answered “no.” You were probably still quite immature back then. In fact, research shows that the human brain isn’t even fully developed until age 25.

Therefore, you probably shouldn’t even contemplate marriage until you’re at least 25. But back when your parents and grandparents were young, people often married right out of high school. That’s what people did back then because not many went to college. They married and got jobs or had kids and stayed home to raise them.

Times have changed. Now, many are waiting until they have graduated from college, become established in a career and are financially independent. With the current economy, this has taken a long time for some people. In fact, many are in their 30s and still don’t feel ready to get married.

Some people think they are mature enough to get married in their early 20s. However, there are challenges involved. Marriage is a huge decision. It is a commitment that requires compromise and negotiation. Some people aren’t ready for that at such a young age. They have plans of their own. They want to do what they want to do.

And they should. People should be in no rush to get married. Marriage can inhibit a person. It causes people to make sacrifices, leading many to have regrets.

Many even end up marrying people they don’t want to marry. Some marry to escape a bad home life. Many do it to hide their sexuality. They marry someone from the opposite sex, only to end the marriage and do what they should have done in the first place: marry someone from the same sex.

Basically, you should marry when you are mature and stable, and that could be a different age for each person. Marriage should not be something that you rush into. Do it when you feel ready.

Contact a Maryland Family Law Attorney Today

While marrying young does not always lead to divorce — in fact, many people who married their high school sweethearts are still married decades later — it can be a factor. People often change and they’re not always the same person that they were in their early 20s.

Are you ready to move on and live your best life possible? If so, contact the Columbia divorce lawyers at The Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. Our experienced team can help you with the various elements of divorce. Call (410) 774-5987 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation. We have two offices to serve you.

Resource:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4012696/