Why are Divorce Rates Decreasing?

You’ve probably been hearing your whole life that the divorce rate is at 50%, but is this number really true? Statistics say otherwise. In the United States, the current rate is at 3.2 divorces per 1,000 people, and the rate has dropped 18% between 2008 and 2016. No age demographic has seen any increase in divorces since that time.

The number of divorces peaked in 1980, and researchers thought for sure that this trend would continue, but it didn’t. Instead, there has been a significant decline.

While divorces are decreasing, marriages are as well. This is mostly attributed to millennials, who are waiting longer to get married—if they even get married at all. Many are not concerned about having spouses or kids. Some want to travel and explore the world before getting tied down with marriage and kids. Others simply can’t afford it. Finding good-paying jobs is not that easy, even with a college degree. And when a person does accumulate wealth and assets, they worry about losing it all in a divorce. As such, many are delaying marriage in hopes of finding “the one”—the person who checks off all their boxes.

What this means is that only the well-educated with high-paying jobs are getting married. Those with less education and working in low-paying jobs are not as likely to get married.

People are scared to get divorces, which is why many are foregoing marriage. After all, the only way people can get divorced is if they get married. No marriage is guaranteed to last. Even those who have been married for several decades are suddenly getting divorced. It’s not uncommon to find couples in their 60s or 70s—prime retirement years—splitting up, derailing their retirement plans.

Many young people are scared of this possible reality. They want to maintain their financial security. They may be children of divorce. They may have seen friends or family members go through nasty divorces. Many people work hard for their money, and they don’t want to lose it in a divorce. The divorce process alone can cost $15,000 or more.

This doesn’t mean people are foregoing relationships altogether, though. Many couples are instead living together. They may even buy a house together without saying “I do.” Living together gives a couple an opportunity to really get to know their partner. They can see their habits and quirks on a daily basis. By doing so, they can determine if they want to end the relationship, keep living together or move forward and actually get married sometime in the future.

Contact a Maryland Divorce Lawyer Today

While the divorce rate is now less than 50%, couples still get divorced for various reasons. If you are unhappy with your marriage, it’s time to take the next steps.

A divorce is legal in nature, but it is also highly emotional. The end of a long-term relationship can be quite sad. Move on with help from the Columbia divorce attorneys at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. Schedule a free consultation by filling out the online form or calling (410) 774-5987. We have two offices to serve you.

Resource:

goodhousekeeping.com/life/relationships/a26551655/us-divorce-rate/

https://www.marylandlawhelp.com/brutal-divorce-tactics-to-avoid/