They say hindsight is 20/20, so here are 20 interesting statistics about divorce as we begin 2020 and prepare for the post-New Years divorce filings (see #8).
1
REASONS
Some of the most common reasons given for divorce by divorcing couples are: lack of commitment, infidelity, they argue too much, they were married too young, and/or they had unrealistic expectations.
2
MILLENNIAL
Both marriage and divorce rates are decreasing. Millennials are waiting longer to get married and are staying married longer, driving the decline of both the marriage and divorce rate.
3
DIVORCED FRIENDS
A person with a close friend who gets divorced is 147% more likely to get divorced themselves.
4
7 YEAR ITCH
The Seven Year Itch is a real thing. On average, a first marriage that ends in divorce lasts about 8 years.
5
SECOND MARRIAGES
Some of the most common reasons given for divorce by divorcing couples are: lack of commitment, infidelity, they argue too much, they were married too young, and/or they had unrealistic expectations.
6
LIVING TOGETHER
Couples who live together prior to marriage increase their chances of divorce by 40%.
7
DANCERS
A person with a close friend who gets divorced is 147% more likely to get divorced themselves.
8
JANUARY
January is divorce month. People generally start looking for attorneys during the holidays, but with attorneys out of the office, they are forced to wait until after New Year. January 12-16 is the most popular week for filings in the US.
9
IOWA
Iowa has the lowest divorce rate, with Illinois, Massachusetts, and North Dakota right behind.
10
NEVADA
Nevada has the highest divorce rate in the nation (we’re looking at you, Las Vegas), followed closely behind by Arkansas, West Virginia, & Oklahoma.
11
OLDER THAN 50
For people aged 50 and older, the divorce rate has doubled in the past 20 years. 25% of those who divorce are over 50.
12
NORTHEAST
Geographically speaking, the Northeastern part of the United States has the lowest rate of divorce, while the South has the highest divorce rate.
13
RELIGION
Religion can be an influencing factor. Those who have strong religious beliefs have 14% less risk of divorce and those with no religious affiliation are 14% more likely to get divorced.
14
EDUCATION
Education can also be a factor as high school dropouts are 13% more likely to get divorced and those who have attended college have a 13% lower risk of divorce.
15
INCOME
Those with an annual income of more than $50,000 have a 30% decreased risk of divorce, compared to those with an income of less than $25,000.
16
SMOKING
If only one spouse smokes, the couple is 75-91% more likely to end their marriage in divorce.
17
DRINKING
Couples who have a similar heavy drinking patterns are more likely to stay together. However, if one spouse is a heavy drinker and the other is not, the couple is 60% more likely to get divorced.
18
BABIES
Couples who have a baby at least 7 months after marrying have a 24% decreased risk of divorce.
19
AGE WHEN MARRIED
60% of couples who get married between the ages of 20-25 will end in divorce, while those who get married after the age of 25 are 24% less likely to get divorced.
20
COST
In the United States, the average total cost of divorce is $15,000.