Study: number of divorces in U.S. increasing

April 05, 2014

For many years, those who have researched the incidence of divorce in the U.S. have told a largely similar story: the period of social change that began in the 1950s sparked a dramatic increase in the rate of divorce in our country. In about 1980, the divorce rate peaked and it has been declining ever since. A new study suggests, however, that this understanding of the divorce rate in the U.S. is incorrect.

In a study published in the journal Demography, researchers at the University of Minnesota re-examined divorce data and they discovered that the divorce rate has not decreased since 1980, but has simply remained steady. Surprisingly, when researchers controlled for the age of divorcing couples, they discovered that the overall divorce rate actually increased by about 40 percent.

Over the years, the U.S. Census Bureau has not been able to collect divorce data as reliably as it would like. In 2008, it began including a series of questions designed to elicit better responses regarding marriage and divorce. Researchers are just now able to take advantage of some of the findings from these new survey questions.

One of the most interesting findings from the University of Minnesota study is that divorce seems to be particularly prevalent among those in the baby boomer generation. In 1970, for example, there was little difference between rates of divorce among younger and older couples. Beginning in about 1980, however, the rate of divorce among younger couples began to increase. As researchers examined the rate of divorce across age groups in subsequent years, they noticed that this increased rate tended to move with the baby boomers. That is, the same people who were getting divorced in the early 1980s saw the same rate of marital instability as they entered into middle age.

Surprisingly, the study shows that younger couples are currently less likely to get divorced than people in their 50s and 60s. The authors of the study suggest that this is due to more younger couples putting off the decision to get married and to spend years cohabitating before they do get married.

Those who are considering divorcing their spouses should take the time to speak to an experienced family law attorney. A family law attorney can listen to your concerns, explain your options and help you take next steps. For more information, do not delay: speak to a family law attorney today.

Article provided by Cunha & Holcomb, P.C.
Visit us at www.cunhaholcomb.com/Divorce-Family-Law/