Risk of Divorce Based on Years of Marriage

Some couples are married until death do them part. Others call it quits after a year of marriage. Some stick it out for five years. Many get the “seven year itch” and become less and less satisfied with marriage. Some are married for 20 or 30 years before divorcing in their retirement years.

The truth is that divorce can happen at any year of a marriage, and at any age. A young person may get married at age 18 and be divorced before they hit 20. A person in their 70s and 80s, who has been married for 40 or 50 years, may decide to call it quits.

While there are many variables that can cause a couple to break up, there are higher risks of divorce at certain years of marriage. How long have you been married and what is your risk?

Years 1-2

Your risk of divorce is highest during these years. Most marriages that fail do so within the first two years. Marriage can be rocky in the first year as the honeymoon phase wears off and you and your spouse settle down into reality. You may discover you may not really know each other at all. You may have financial issues or differing views on having children. You just may be incompatible. In any case, this may be a good opportunity to admit you made a mistake and move on.

Years 3-4

Your risk of divorce during these years is average. Couples tend to have children at this time, and having kids increases stability. However, children are no doubt stressful.

Years 5-8

Your risk of divorce starts to increase again, thanks to the “seven-year itch,” which refers to the theory that marital satisfaction starts to decline after this time. In fact, on average, a marriage will end in divorce after eight years.

Years 9-15

These years of marriage often mean a lower risk of divorce, as children are older and couples are more satisfied with their relationship. After reaching year 10 of marriage, the risk of divorce tends to decrease every year, as couples become more practical with their wants and needs.

Years 15-20

The risk of divorce is average during this time, but this depends on when you marry. Many couples are now getting divorced in their 50s, leading to the term “gray divorce.” In addition, men and women over the age of 55 are more likely to cheat than other age groups. This means marriage is becoming riskier with age.

Contact a Maryland Family Law Attorney Today

While newlyweds and older married couples tend to have a higher risk of divorce, a marriage can end at any time. If you’re no longer satisfied with your marriage, and your spouse is not willing to make any changes, then you may no longer want to live in a miserable and undesirable marriage.

Are you ready to divorce? Whether you’ve been married for two or 20 years, the Columbia divorce lawyers at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. can help you understand the process. Schedule a free consultation today.  Call (410) 774-5987 or fill out the online form. We have two offices to serve you.

Resource:

fatherly.com/health-science/twenty-year-guide-divorce-risk/

https://www.marylandlawhelp.com/fight-unrealistic-expectations-in-a-marriage/