When you decide to get married, divorce should be the last thing on your mind. But if you are concerned that your new marriage may someday end in divorce, U.S. divorce statistics have an interesting story to tell. Across all the stats, some conditions emerge that have been shown to influence the success or failure of a marriage. Research published recently by The Witherspoon Institute (thepublicdiscourse.com ) surveys some of the factors that can significantly affect your risk of divorce. Among them:
- Where you live makes a difference.
The Huffington Post reported on a recent University of Texas study that found divorce rates are higher in states with more religiously conservative residents, even though their Bible-based cultures discourage divorce. The researchers thought one explanation was that a more religious culture expects people to marry younger and have children earlier, and that can cause hardships that weaken marriages.
- The less education, the higher the divorce rate
At nearly 48 percent, the divorce rate is higher among people who don’t finish high school. Graduating high school brings the risk down to 42-43 percent. The lowest rate is among college graduates: only 27 percent will be divorced by middle age. Income is also a factor, often related to education: households with annual incomes of $50,000 or higher enjoy a 30 percent lower risk of divorce.
- A mature age at the time of marriage reduces the risk of divorce
Divorce rates are highest among couples in their 20s, and decrease as couples get older. The earliest marriages, before the age of 18, see a 24 percent increase in the risk of divorce. Maturing together helps, too: according to lifesitenews.com, every added year of successful marriage reduces one’s lifetime risk of divorce.
- A personal or family history of divorce increases your risk.
If you have already been divorced once, you are at a higher risk of divorce when you marry for a second time. Growing up with parents who have never divorced reduces divorce risk by 14 percent.
- Living together first increases your risk of divorce.
You would think that living together before getting married would improve the chances of successful marriage. Not true: according to usattorneylegalservices.com, “A couple who does not live together prior to getting married has a 20 percent chance of being divorced within five years. If the couple has lived together beforehand, that number jumps to 49 percent.”
There are many other factors that can affect the divorce rate, including the choice whether or not to have children.
The seasoned family law and divorce lawyers at the McGrath Law Firm, founded by attorney Peter McGrath, will walk you through every step of the challenging divorce process to address your concerns and achieve your goals as efficiently as possible. From spousal support, child support, fault, and equitable division of property and debt to valuations, pre-nuptial agreements, and restraining orders, the experienced attorneys at McGrath Law Firm have a successful track record in all aspects of divorce law. Call us to schedule your consultation at (800) 283-1380.