Current and past divorce stats tell us a lot about what to expect when it comes to national divorce statistics in the year ahead. Some people find comfort, conviction, and support knowing where the trends fall and if they mimic their own experiences. If you see any similarities in your marriage, it may be time to consult with a Michigan divorce lawyer about your own circumstances.
An Overall Divorce Decline
For decades, divorce statistics have hovered around nearly half of all marriages ending in divorce. Trends from the National Library of Medicine show that this rate is declining slightly overall for first marriages:
- First marriages have a 43% chance of ending in divorce.
- Second marriages have a 60% change of ending in divorce.
- People in third marriages have a 73% chance of ending in divorce.
Predicting Your Chances of Divorce
There are always factors that influence how well-suited a couple is for each other and how long they may stay married. Some positive marriage and divorce statistics that might impact how long a couple stays married or influence why they choose not to divorce include the following:
- Marrying later in life leads to more marital stability
- Higher education levels correlate with successful marriages
- Higher incomes are a predictor of longer marriages
- Participation in premarital counseling
It’s important not to overlook the fact that every couple is different. Even if some determine they are not well-suited for each other, they may choose not to divorce because of their children, religious beliefs, or personal convictions. They may find alternate ways to live the way they want to live without officially ending their marriage in a court of law.
The Gray Divorce Trends
Divorce rates for people over age 65 are increasing, tripling in fact according to researchers from Purdue University. This phenomenon is known as gray divorce. Findings from Pew Research Center also report that older couples married 20 or more years are now divorcing at higher rates than in the past. Here are common reasons for the increase in splits:
- Living longer and wanting more from life
- Having different ideas about retirement
- Children left the nest
- Preferring to move to a new place
Some Divorce Statistics Rarely Change
Just as parenting time and spousal support are common parts of many Michigan divorces, so too are some divorce statistics nationwide.
- Average length of a marriage before divorce is eight years (U.S. Census).
- When people delay getting married the overall divorce statistics are reduced and success rates are increased.
- No-fault laws remain in Michigan, which means no wrongdoing must be proven to end a marriage, but behavior within the marriage is still relevant.
- Many divorces occur in the first decade of marriage (Pew). Sixteen percent occur within five years and 24% within five to nine years.
Get Michigan Divorce Statistics from Your Lawyer
Ultimately, why couples end their marriage is irrelevant when it comes to your own relationship. What happens in your union is the only thing that matters, not a divorce statistic. If you are unhappy or your feelings and relationship have changed, contact Michigan Divorce Help in Mt. Clemens, MI, to schedule a consultation.
This blog post is not a substitute for legal advice.