Researchers report divorce rate dropped again

On Behalf of | Nov 28, 2016 | Divorce

Married couples living in Minnesota might be less likely to divorce than in previous decades. According to the National Center for Family and Marriage Research, the divorce rate around the country hit its lowest point in 2015 in almost 40 years. It has been steadily declining for the last three years while marriage has been on the rise. However, while marriages in 2015 were at their highest rate in six years, people are not getting married at the same rates they once did, and experts believe this may be one reason that divorce is declining.

In addition to remaining single or moving in with one another instead of getting married, people are getting married later in life. This may also be a contributor to the lower divorce rate. However, some researchers believe that marriages in general still have a 50/50 chance of ending in divorce.

Education, income and where a couple lives also appear to be factors in divorce. Couples who are better educated and wealthier are less likely to divorce. Washington, D.C., has the highest divorce rate in the country while the lowest is in Hawaii.

Divorce can be a devastating time for people. Despite the emotional toll that the process takes, it is important for people to make good decisions about property division, custody and support. Parents should avoid trying to use children to manipulate one another. People should also consider their financial security. For example, while taking the family home in exchange for other assets might initially seem like a good step because it secures a place to live, the cost of insurance, repairs and taxes can make it unaffordable. People should not deliberately try to obstruct the progress of the divorce, but they should make sure that they do not relinquish too much in a settlement in terms of their financial health.