Texas residents may be surprised by the findings of a study from Bowling Green State University, which claims that while divorce rates have fallen or remained stable across most age groups, they have risen among those over the age of 50. According to Bowling Green researchers, twice as many of those in the over 50 group divorced in 2014 as compared to 1990. Brigham Young University conducted another study that found that more than half of all married adults ages 25 to 50 have considered divorce at some point.
An article in the New York Times suggests that the rising divorce rate for older adults could be explained by higher overall rates of second marriages. Studies show that second marriages are two-and-a-half times more likely to end in divorce than first marriages. Increased lifespan may be another factor in the rising divorce rates. One sociology professor from the University of Washington suggests that older Americans, who have longer life expectancies than their predecessors, may not want to remain in marriages that could last for several more decades.
According to the Council on Contemporary Families, changing ideas of marriage in America may also play a role in increased divorce rates. Modern marriage is expected to result in happiness and personal fulfillment for both parties. Spouses who no longer find such fulfillment in their marriages may choose to opt for a divorce. There is also less stigma associated with divorce than there was in the past.
Divorce law is often a complex area of the legal field, especially when complicated custody arrangements are involved. Property division can also present issues if there is a significant imbalance in the assets held be each party. A family law attorney may be able to help clear up these and other applicable matters for a client who is facing the end of a marriage.
