The oft-cited divorce rate in the United States is said to hover around 50%, but new research indicates that this may no longer be the case. In fact, the divorce rate may be dropping, in part due to less marriages taking place between couples. These marriages are even seen as stronger than the ones beforehand, leading to a decline in the rate at which these married couples get divorced.
Marriage Trends Dictate Divorce Rates
With decreasing divorce rate, the way that many people examine marriage should be reconsidered. For example, cohabitation rates in couples before marriage has increased, leading to the decreased need to tie the knot to share a life together. The economic advantage of marriage has altered, and for some people, no longer exists.
According to data:
- 70% of marriages that began in the 1990's reach their 15th anniversary
- Feminist movements allowed marriages to be based on love and shared passions, involving two incomes and shared housekeeping duties
- The median age for getting married has risen, leading to more mature marriages
- Birth control has reduced the number of unplanned pregnancies, leading to fewer marriages
- Those with less education and affluence are more likely to cohabitate rather than get married
- People with more education are getting married more often and these marriages are lasting longer
If the current trends involving divorce continue, nearly two-thirds of marriages will never end in divorce. However, just because a couple does not choose to get married does not mean they are free from family law concerns. In many instances, a couple that has never been married still must figure out property division, joint accounts, child custody, and more when they separate.
For divorce or any other family law concern, the legal team at The Law Offices of Cutter& Lax, Attorneys at Law is here to help.Call our office to learn what we can do for you.
