Why are divorce rates on the rise in America? This is a question that many sociologists and lawyers have been analyzing for the past few decades as more and more divorce filings are brought to the courtroom. Everything from the recent economic crisis to fluctuating social values have contributed to the higher rate of divorce and subsequent need for divorce lawyers. Family divorce lawyers are attorneys who specialize in organizing the legalities of child support, property management and official licensing. If you are considering a divorce or simply want to know more about the changing cultural issues the United States is facing, look below to shed some light on the issue.
Did You Know?
The month of February is, contrary to popular belief, the month with the majority of divorce filings. Ronald Reagan is the only American president to have ever been divorced and, according to common statistics, a marriage is 75% more likely to end in divorce if one of the partners regularly smokes. A study conducted by the University Of Florence found that infidelity outside the home was associated with a higher risk of major cardiovascular events, such as fatal heart attacks or oncoming heart disease. The top five reasons for divorce in the United States include communication problems, infidelity, financial issues, abuse or a lack of interest.
Marriage Rates
The face of marriage has changed drastically in American culture due to many different reasons. Studies have found marriages more likely to last when people marry at an older age, earn more money or have a higher education. Likewise, divorces are more common among younger and working-class populations. A study conducted by the University Of Cincinnati found that men are more likely than women to turn to alcohol after a divorce filing.
Divorce Rates
The rate of divorce has been on the rise over the past few decades and shows little sign of slowing down. Divorce rates among couples over the age of 50, for example, have doubled in the past 20 years according to a recent study by Bowling Green State University. The mean age of men seeking a divorce for the first time is 30 years old, while the mean age of women seeking a divorce is 29. A divorce proceeding in the United States generally lasts for one year, though this can change depending on the unique situation — for example, if property distribution or child custody is a factor.
Child Custody
One of the most difficult aspects of divorce is the issue of child custody, child support and visitation rights. Children of divorced parents are twice as likely to drop out of high school and attend college than their counterparts with married parents. Western states generally have the highest marriage and divorce rates, followed closely by the South, while the Northeast has the lowest marriage and divorce rates overall.
Meeting With A Divorce Lawyer
The first step on filing a successful divorce is meeting with a divorce lawyer. They will help you with every single element in the process, from filing divorce papers to analyzing mediation for child custody. It’s important you take a list of questions to ask a divorce lawyer with you so you don’t miss out on any important information that might crop up again down the road. If you have additional factors such as domestic violence or property claims, they can help redirect you to other attorneys with experience in such matters. Filing for divorce isn’t an easy process, but a divorce lawyer can help you through the process so you can get back to your life as soon as possible.
