Six Changing Divorce Trends

Divorces have changed significantly over the last couple of decades. As the millennial generation grows older, marries, and makes decisions regarding divorce, these decisions have begun to significantly impact divorce law and the institution’s place in society. As a result, several trends that held true for a long period of time have begun to change somewhat. Let’s take a look at six modern divorce trends.

Divorce Is Declining

While the divorce rate has held pretty constant for several decades, the actual number of divorces has fallen every year pretty steadily since 1981. What this means is that fewer and fewer people are actually getting married in modern times, and thus there are fewer people who actually pursue divorce.

Women Initiate More Divorces

Between improved economic independence, more career options, and a reduced stigma on divorce, women have now begun initiating divorces more than ever before. In fact, it’s estimated that women initiate 66% of all divorces now (that’s two out of every three!). There are more reasons for this as well, as laws and handling of domestic abuse cases have resulted in more divorces coming to completion.

Grey Divorce Is Blasting Off

While the overall number of divorces is slowly declining, the number of older couples who undergo the divorce process has spiked sharply. In fact, it is the fastest-growing divorce segment in the country. Match.com reports that registration of users in the 50-65 range has risen 89% in the last five years. While the reduced stigma of divorce plays a role, the millennial generation growing up and moving out means fewer dependents, and thus more financial freedom to pursue one of these divorces.

Parental Wealth Affects Child’s Wealth

Studies have recently shown that parents who stay married generally have a positive influence on their child’s ability to become a high-income earner than a single parent. Married parents with a high income almost universally see their children become high-income earners, and low-income married parents also see nearly 20% of their children become high-income earners. Single parents, on the other hand, almost universally saw their children either remain steady or lower their income earning.

Where You Live Influences Your Divorce Rate

While each individual case is unique, certain areas of country have higher divorce rates than others. The west coast in particular has the highest divorce rates in the country, while the middle of the country tends to have the lowest.

Traditional Values Reduce Divorces

Your individual traits and values may reduce your chances of getting a divorce. Having a higher income, a college education, waiting until after marriage to have a baby, getting married later, and being religious all tend to increase the chances of your marriage lasting longer.

At the Kallen Law Firm, we have considerable experience helping individuals with all of their divorce and family law needs. Our St. Louis divorce attorneys can help you whether you are simply starting to review your options and consider a divorce, or you are already embroiled in a complex and highly-litigious process. Our award-winning firm has proudly stood by clients through all facets of a divorce, including child custody, child support, alimony, asset division, and more.