Debunking the Frequency of Divorce Myth

The Truth aout the Divorce rate myth.

Why the Divorce Rate Myth Persists

The idea that half of all marriages fail is part of the long-standing divorce rate myth that continues to mislead couples and policymakers. Fifty percent of all marriages in the United States end in divorce. A statistic that we have heard time and time again, but is that really true or is it a myth? As it turns out, this is not a true statement, and in face it is all part of the great divorce myth.

In many states lawmakers are seeking changes in the law that would make a no-fault divorce difficult to get. A no-fault divorce is what it sounds like. Either spouse can file for a divorce without having to provide proof that their spouse did anything wrong. Those lawmakers who are pushing for laws to make it more difficult to obtain a divorce feel that making it a no-fault proceeding contributes to a rising divorce rate. However, data shows that since the 1980’s, divorce rates in the United States have been steadily declining.

Philip Cohen, a sociology professor at the University of Maryland says about divorce rates that “t’s like a crime; people tend to assume it’s always going up or they assume it’s a part of modern life and it’s always worse than it’s ever been. It’s not true. Divorce rates are down”

The Origins of the Divorce Rate Myth

According to data from the National Center for Family and Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University, since reaching its peak in 1980, the divorce rate in the United States has declined. In 1980 the divorce rate for married women was 22.6% per 1,000 marriages. As of 2022, the number of divorces has dropped to 14.6% per 1,000 marriages. Also interesting to note is that the rate of people getting married has also decreased.

Research shows that couples, who are getting married, tend to be older, wealthier, and more educated. Experts cite that financial instability is one of the major factors in divorce, so those who wait to get married until they are more financially stable are less likely to file for divorce. Although marriage rates are declining, those who do marry at a later time in life have marriages that are stronger than those in previous decades.

Gray Divorce Trends Challenge the Divorce Rate Myth

Susan Brown, co-director at the National Center for Family and Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University, states that “As people wait longer to get married, they’re more secure financially and emotionally mature, and that helps bolster marital stability.” Brown goes on to say that “Society puts marriage on a pedestal where financial stability, among other “very high expectations” is a requirement for what it means to have a good marriage. This has partly fueled the growing divide in marriage and divorce rates.”

Also interesting to note is the divorce trends with women and men who are 45 years are older, commonly referred to as a “gray divorce”. Divorce rates are declining for most age groups yet increasing for those 45 and older. Briefly putting it, those who are waiting to terminate a longer lasting marriage are doing it for a variety of reasons. Either the children are grown and on their own, or they are no longer willing to sacrifice their own personal happiness, or they have just grown apart and no longer have the same interests.

If you’ve been influenced by the divorce rate myth, it’s important to know the truth before making life-changing decisions.

gray divorce blogs

We have posted extensively in the past about the gray divorce situation. Here are links to some of those prior gray divorce blogs:

• Gray Divorce – Refocusing on Obtaining Experienced Legal Advice
• Gray Divorce Rates Continue to Rise!
• Gray Divorce and Hidden assets You Should Know About
• Tips for Lawyers Dealing with Gray Divorce Matters
• Gray Divorce: Division of Retirement Asset Disparity
• Gray Divorce – Legal Nuances for Seniors to Consider Before Filing for Divorce
• Gray Divorce – Refocusing and Obtaining Experienced Legal Advice

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