Ways in Which Divorce Differs Now Than in the Past

You will find that many things have changed with regard to divorce over the years. One of the first noticeable changes is the lesser stigma surrounding divorce. While it was often thought of as taboo, divorce is now more widely accepted, and people are now considering it as an option to take when trying to figure out what's best for them, their children, their spouse, and life in general. Here are some things that have changed when it comes to divorce.

The Development of No-Fault Divorce

In the past, you would need to show that your spouse had done you wrong for you to be granted permission to divorce. However, that's not the case anymore. While it's still possible to blame your spouse, for instance, if they were unfaithful, you don't really need to do so for you to be granted a divorce. No-fault divorce means you can ask for a divorce without proving that they are circumstances pushing you to do so. Basically, since it's your life, you can make all the choices. All you need to do is get a divorce attorney. However, in some states, like Louisiana, you might be required to live apart from your partner for a while before you can divorce.

Increased Incidence of Gray Divorce

In the past, most people would say they were afraid of divorcing because of what their grandparents would say or think. However, that has changed today as well. You will find that those over the age of 50 have some of the fastest-growing divorce rates. Couples of all ages are deciding to engage a divorce attorney to end their marriages no matter how long they have been married. There are many who are in second or third marriages as a result.

The Divorce Rate Keeps Changing

The rate of divorce, in general, has declined since a few decades ago. This is probably because people are getting married when they are a bit older than they did in the past. According to Statista, in 2016, the average age for the first marriage in women was 27.4 and 29.5 for men. This is approximately seven years more than the average age in 1960 (20.3 for women and 22.8 for men). This means people get married when they are more mature and financially stable.

The Divorce Divide

The divorce divide, as sociologists call it, has been growing between the educated (with college degrees) and those without. As you might imagine, this usually translates to income differences as well. The divorce rate among educated Americans has dropped by about 30% since the early 1980s. On the other hand, for those without college degrees, the divorce rate has actually increased by about 6%. This means that college-educated couples are now about 50% less likely to divorce than their peers.

Divorce keeps evolving. As such, it's crucial for those who are considering it to ensure that they understand all the steps that need to be taken in order to protect their interests and get a fair outcome. Do you need help with divorce, or maybe you just need advice from a divorce attorney? Get in touch with our team today and find out more.