With the prevalence of television, movies, and sensationalized media, it can be hard to know what information regarding divorce is true. The process can be complicated, and there are many misunderstandings about the law. Some people who consider divorcing their spouse first seek advice from others, who while well-meaning, are often not trained in family law matters or informed about recent changes to the law. The following are some of the most persistent divorce myths that are simply not true.
Myth: Half of All Marriages End in Divorce
Reality: This myth is quite complicated but a myth nonetheless. There are many different ways of analyzing data regarding divorce rates. According to the National Marriage Project, the divorce rate in the United States is between 40-50 percent. Other sources show that the divorce rate is between 42 and 45 percent. Divorce rates are different for different demographics. For example, people with a college degree have lower divorce rates than those without a degree.
Myth: Divorce Is Becoming More and More Likely
Reality: There are many people who believe that the institution of marriage is nearly meaningless nowadays. However, there are several reasons to believe that divorce will become less and less common over time. While it is true that the U.S divorce rate now is nearly twice what it was in 1960, that rate has been declining since the early 1980s. Experts believe that if current divorce trends continue, that nearly two-thirds of marriages will never involve a divorce.
...