Le Knapp: Baby Boomers Have the Most Divorces

As a divorce lawyer, I’m constantly reviewing information and statistics about divorce. As the divorce rate continues to decline among Gen-Xers and Millennials, it’s the Baby Boomers who are still getting divorced at the highest rates.

According to researchers, students, and professors from the University of Maryland, the average marriage is lasting longer than ever, and young people are divorcing less often. This could have quite a bit to do with people being far more cautious in their approach to marriage, as the average age of people getting married for the first time is also higher than ever. Between the 1940s and 1970s, a woman in her first marriage was just over 20 years old on average. Now, she is just over 27. So people are getting married much older now. The Baby Boomer Generation got married a lot younger so that’s on reason that people think divorce is more common among them.

Baby Boomers keeping divorce rates up

Although overall divorce rates are steadily decreasing, they are still as high as they are primarily because of the Baby Boomers. From 1990 to 2012, the divorce rate for people between 55 and 64 year olds more than doubled as Baby Boomers entered retirement age. The divorce rate for people 65 and older more than tripled.

It will take some time to determine whether Millennials are, in fact, simply better at maintaining their relationships for life. The average time it takes for first marriages to end in divorce is 12 years. However, based on how many fewer Gen-Xers have divorced than Baby Boomers, it would seem like today’s young couples are going to continue the trend of fewer divorces overall.

Why Divorce is Better than Being Trapped in a Bad Marriage

There’s a certain stigma associated with divorce that many people have a hard time shaking. Those who are stuck in bad relationships often delay filing for divorce simply because they focus on negative questions, such as “what will other people think?” or “what if this decision ruins my children’s lives?”

Although it’s quite normal to have concerns and fears related to divorce, dissolving your marriage may be a much better option than staying in a toxic relationship. Here are some reasons why:

You can set a better example for your kids: While there are many challenges associated with being a single parent, the last thing you want to show your kids is that it is normal to put up with an unhealthy relationship. Children are going to grow up to look for the kinds of relationships they experienced and saw as a young child. Don’t model a bad relationship for them.
You can focus on yourself: After you get divorced, you can get back to focusing on yourself, learning who you are and living for you. You are still able to be a great parent, but you may also find a new appreciation for life.
You can escape danger: It is especially important to get a divorce if your spouse is at all abusive, whether physically, emotionally or financially. You should never have to accept an abusive relationship. Get out as soon as you can and escape the danger and fear you’re experiencing.
You can find a better fit for you: After spending some time alone and finding yourself, you can put effort into finding a partner who is actually good for you and strengthens and empowers you. You deserve to find someone who truly makes you happy.

Free Consultation with Divorce Lawyer in Utah

If you have a question about divorce law or if you need to start or defend against a divorce case in Utah call Ascent Law at (801) 676-5506. We will fight for you.