Marriage and divorce are experiences that normally happen to couples. Ninety percent of most people get married at the age of 50. The key to a happy marriage are couples who ensure their emotional, mental, and physical health are intact. This mindset is helpful as the couple decides to grow children together. It takes a home to build a family-centered with love, care, and attention. On the other hand, more or less fifty percent of the married couples are opting for divorce in the United States, which is the sixth-highest divorce rate globally.
Divorces are more financially challenging and emotionally draining. It is not about signing a paper, but the process leading to ending the marriage is difficult. It can significantly affect parents, children, and the people that surround the couple. Based on the data provided by the United States Census Bureau, marriage and divorce rates were noted to decrease from 2008 to 2018. During these years, the average rate for women fifteen and up for 2018 alone is 16.6 out of 1,000 women. Moreover, the national average divorce rate was found to be 7.7 out of 1000 women.
Thirty years old is the average age for couples who usually experience divorce firsthand. Although it does not apply to everyone, several noted factors help couples less likely to get a divorce. Twenty-four percent of the couples who waited until they are older than twenty-five to get married do not usually get divorce. Also, those who are religiously affiliated are known to have a fourteen percent chance of not opting for divorce. Finally, data suggests that those who have higher educational attainment have a lesser risk of divorce.
However, it is totally a different story in 2020. With the pandemic that has changed how we live our lives, the average number of divorce rates have been affected in one way or another. The real question is, is it higher or lower than the previous? Read on.
The distress caused by this pandemic has truly challenged married couples. Having to deal with the tensions, stress, and uncertainties every day with your partner seems to be the reality for some. The disagreements on keeping themselves safe and healthy, the stress resulting from a loss of employment or shortened working hours, and the uncertainties regarding the Covid-19 situation are definitely not what these couples signed up for. According to the data released by the American Family Survey (AFS), thirty-four percent of married couples that are in ages 18 to 55 have reported how the pandemic has caused an increased level of stress in their marriage.
On the other hand, most married couples in the United States report how they have made their relationship stronger, not weaker, during the pandemic. The AFS discovered that fifty-eight percent of married couples ages 18 to 55 stated how the pandemic made them appreciate their partners more. The other fifty percent noted that their level of commitment towards their partners has deepened. There was only eight percent that described how the pandemic highlighted the weakness of their marriage. Having all these data, it is of no surprise that the AFS later found out that the number of married couples who reported their troubled marriage has declined from forty percent in 2019 to twenty-nine percent in 2020.
Despite the reports shown by the media, divorce appears to have a reduced number in 2020. The following initial data from the five states clearly indicates the decline of divorce for 2020: 12 percent in Oregon, 9 percent in Missouri, 13 percent in Rhode Island, 19 percent in Florida. However, a nine percent increase in Arizona’s divorce filings started in late 2019. Although states have not yet returned to the normal pre-pandemic count of divorce filings, most states are not there yet.
It was noted how divorces declined during the Great Recession. Then, it went up as soon as the economy went back to normal as couples who were putting off their divorce finally did it. However, the rate went up and down again. The average result showed that divorce fell to more than twenty percent after the Great Recession. Even though this pandemic has significantly impacted us, there is great anticipation that a similar decline in divorce filings could happen. The survey conducted among 1,300 American women from ages 18 to 44 states that forty-five percent of married women shared how they changed their minds and were less likely to divorce. On the other hand, only five percent were clear to proceed with the divorce if given a chance.
Indeed, tough times help us open our eyes and change our perspective towards life. We realize the importance of a relationship and what can be done to make it work. Being able to face trials with the right support system behind your back leads to contentment, joy, growth, strength, and wisdom. It helps us see what needs to be improved in our person.
Despite the toughest year yet, the great news is that most of the married couples were able to draw strength from each other and find the light at the end of the tunnel. They emerged to be indestructible by this pandemic, and they continue to hope for a brighter, happier, and stronger married life in the days to come. If you have any divorce questions or concerns especially during this pandemic, feel free to consult with O’Brien Murphy Solicitors —the law firm you can count on.
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