As it turns out, experts across the country are working to change staunch public belief that divorce rates are high and getting higher. While this past century did see an unprecedented rise in divorces, especially in the 70s and 80s, the last couple of decades have not been so divorce heavy. In fact, if current trends continue, economists believe that only a third of marriages will end in a divorce, including those in Minnesota.
This change is significant for a community which often cites divorce as a big part of our social ills. Nonetheless, other experts have dug deeper into the numbers to see what is actually going on. For instance, a Minnesota marriage therapist and professor notes that two-thirds of divorces are initiated by women. Therefore, she believes the change in divorce rates is actually a change in women’s expectations.
In addition, it appears that the decline in divorce rates is limited to upper class individuals with college degrees. Those in the middle or lower classes continue to get divorced at high rates, raising even more concerns about social inequality.
While these macro level numbers and notions continue to make their way around the media circuit, divorce is, at its core, and individual issue. The percentage of people getting divorced across the country or the probable makeup of those that due is of absolutely no concern to the spouse seeking to start anew.
Protecting assets and preserving relationships with children are a priority. Becoming a statistic is not. For those individuals that have come to the realization that the marriage will not work it is best to focus on how to make the best out of a bad situation.
Family law lawyers in St. Paul are well position to help with all kinds of disputes. From high asset divorces to child custody battles, these experienced professionals will help you set yourself up for success after a divorce.
Source: New York Times, “Divorce Surge is Over, Bu Myth Lives On,” Dec. 2, 2014