It is commonly stated that in the U.S., half of the marriages are ending in divorces. According to a new research study from Bowling Green State University’s National Center for Marriage and Family Research (NCFMR), the number of separated and divorced women in the US is on the rise.
Recent research shows that the overall divorce rate remains high in the U.S., and individuals today are less likely to remarry than they were in the past.
More specifically, the study found that 15 percent of women in the U.S. are divorced or separated today, compared with less than one percent in 1920. Researchers used data from the National Vital Statistics, Decennial Census, and American Community Survey in making their calculations. The change may be understood because women have become a strong presence in the workforce. They no longer depend on their husbands to support them. This independence allows them to leave an unhappy marriage and still provide for themselves.
In addition, past research has indicated that women file for divorce more often than men. Women filed more than two-thirds of divorces in the U.S., according to a study titled “‘These Boots Are Made For Walking’: Why Most Divorce Filers Are Women,” published by the American Law and Economics Review in 2000.
Women aren’t the only segment of the population divorcing more often. A June 2013 study found that people over the age of 50 are ending their marriages more often than ever before. This study was conducted by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. One reason for this may be that women of the Baby Boomer generation are more likely financially independent from their husbands than women of previous generations thanks to successful and growing careers.
Divorce is never easy for either spouse, but when you combine a divorce with property disputes, spousal support and other factors, sometimes the entire process can become overwhelming. It is prudent for any person facing divorce to find an attorney experienced in and who fully understands and will address the difficult issues that arise. Divorce laws vary across counties and in different states. Minnesota divorce attorneys will be able to guide you toward a satisfactory resolution to this personal and legal matter.
Source:
Huffingtonpost.com, “Divorced Women In America On The Rise, According To New Research” No author given, Jul. 22, 2013
