How Common Are Divorces in Illinois and the United States?

 Posted on March 06, 2020 in Divorce

For many years, people have insisted that there has been a definite trend in which the number of divorces has increased every year. However, the truth contradicts this belief, and that truth is far more complex than most people would imagine. Divorce is often not an easy decision or an easy process, and it takes time and careful deliberation to come to an understanding and acceptance of it. Because of this, it is not something that people take lightly.

Dispelling the Myth That Half of All Marriages End in Divorce

Before getting married, people are often warned that “half of all marriages end in divorce,” and this supposed statistic may be used to suggest that a person should think long and hard before taking the plunge. However, the actual statistics show an entirely different story. These days, the national divorce rate is not 50%; it is actually closer to 39  %. Overall, divorce rates have been steadily declining since the 1980s, which is when they peaked. In addition, the state of Illinois itself has a much lower divorce rate than the national average.

Why Are Divorce Rates Lower Than Expected?

There are many factors that contribute to a lower divorce rate. The most prevalent cause of this is generational. Millennials and some members of Generation Z, people currently in their 20s and 30s, are really discerning when it comes to finding a lifetime partner. Since they are being particularly selective in their choices of a romantic partner, these marriages are often less likely to end in divorce. Their likelihood of finding a partner who they probably will not divorce could be a result of the following:

• A paradigm shift toward getting married much later in life when they are more mature and have a better understanding of who they are, what they want out of life, and what they want in a partner.

• The need to reach a specific point in their professional and academic life first, in which a marriage is more of a confirmation of their social status.

• Lower pregnancy rates that make one of the driving forces behind marriages in the past—the desire for making a family with someone—less common.

• A reliance on dating apps and online dating, which have the potential to enable a person to find “the perfect match,” eliminating the guesswork and vetting prospective suitors to a degree never before seen.

• A willingness to cohabitate first, which allows the partners to learn as much about each other first before taking that major step toward marriage, helping them see just how compatible they truly are and whether a marriage is even tenable.

Interestingly enough, Baby Boomers and older people are getting divorced at a higher rate than other demographics, which could explain the divorce rate not being even lower than it already is.

While the divorce rates in the U.S. are lower than many would expect, so are the marriage rates. However, that is not altogether negative, since the stability of those who get married today in their 20s and 30s is much stronger than that of those who were married decades ago.

Contact a Wheaton, IL Divorce Attorney

While divorce is less common today than most believe, there is still the possibility that you and your spouse will reach a point where ending your marriage is the best choice for your own well-being and that of your children. If you are considering dissolving your marriage, you should call a DuPage County divorce lawyer at 630-871-1002 for a free consultation. The talented professionals at Andrew Cores Family Law Group can provide the legal help you need as you work through the complexities of divorce and begin the next stage of your life.

Sources:

https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/marriage-story-struck-chord-america-s-real-divorce-story-more-ncna1135161

https://waow.com/2020/02/15/digging-deeper-why-divorce-rates-are-decreasing/