DIVORCE RATES ARE DOWN – FIND OUT WHY

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracks all sorts of things related to the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of Americans. Did you know this also includes marriage and divorce rates in 44 states? According to the CDC’s data based on 2016, which is the most recent complete year of data available, divorce rates are dropping.

From 2008 to 2016, the divorce rate has actually dropped a significant 18%. The CDC states this means the rate reflects an amount of about 3.2 people per 1,000 in the country are divorced. The divorce rate does not seem to be increasing among any age group, but it is definitely dropping among Millennials.

WHY ARE MILLENNIALS DIVORCING LESS OFTEN?

Based on the input of Phillip Cohen of the University of Maryland, who used the CDC datasets to draw his conclusions, Millennials usually wait longer to marry than any other generation. By the time they are ready to tie the knot, they know their partner in and out. This builds trust and confidence — two key elements of a successful marriage.

Mr. Cohen also notes that Millennials are much more likely to cohabitate before marriage than older generations. In the past, it would not be unusual for someone to feel public shame upon admitting they lived with a partner without being married to them. Previous generations also were more likely to be able to afford separate housing, whereas many Millennials more or less need to live together to stay financially afloat. Cohabitation is a great way to grow closer together and test the strength of a relationship.

Cohen also warns that Millennials divorcing less often isn’t all good news because it can also be connected to their less likely chances of getting married at all. Marriage is expensive and so are all the procedures related to it. As Cohen concluded, there is a legitimate concern that marriage will become something reserved for the upper class that can afford it. However, it is worth noting that the marriage rate is only down about 8% since 1990, so it may be too early to conclude that it will stay down.

(You can learn more about the declining divorce rate by clicking here and viewing a full article from Good Housekeeping.)

QUESTIONS ABOUT DIVORCE? WE HAVE ANSWERS

At Weis Law Group, we believe fully in the importance of keeping our clients informed throughout their divorce. If you have any questions about divorcing, either as Millennial or someone in their gray years, then we would be happy to provide you with legal counsel and advocacy. Led by Attorney Amy Weis, who is certified specialist in family relations by the Ohio State Bar Association, we have the skills and experience required to guide you through your divorce and to a better tomorrow with confidence.

Contact us at (614) 732-5566 to request your initial consultation with our legal team.