What Is Popular In Divorce?

Most people are under the impression that divorces are becoming more commonplace when actually there are fewer of them. While the divorce rate has been at 45% for the past several years, the number of divorces each year is declining, simply because fewer people are getting married today. Other factors for the decline in both the number and rate of divorces are later marriages (resulting in mature couples who create a more stable marriage) and birth control, which helps to delay children until couples are ready emotionally and financially.

As a group, baby boomers divorced and remarried in large numbers. So, it should not be surprising that as they age, these remarried boomers will once again be leading the pack in divorces. After all, remarriages are statistically more likely to end in divorce than first marriages. And, those who have ever been divorced, are now divorced, or have been married at least twice make up a large portion of individuals aged 50 and older.

A recent study found that in recent years women have initiated 69 percent of all divorces, compared to 31 percent for men. However, that same study found that women and men instigated breakups in equal numbers in non-marital relationships. Why the difference? Michael Rosenfeld, the study’s author, believes that some women experience marriage as oppressive or uncomfortable.

"Wives still take their husbands' surnames and are sometimes pressured to do so. Husbands still expect their wives to do the bulk of the housework and the bulk of the childcare.

On the other hand, I think that non-marital relationships lack the historical baggage and expectations of marriage, which makes the non-marital relationships more flexible and therefore more adaptable to modern expectations, including women's expectations for more gender equality."

The rationalization for remaining in the same house revolves around practical considerations. First of all, it saves money which is usually something that’s in short supply after a breakup. When a two-income household splits into two separate households, simple math tells you there is less money to support each one of them. Couples also stay together because it makes it easier to take care of the children. Communication is better, morning and evening rituals remain in place, both parents can assist with homework, and discipline can be shared and supported. For some divorced couples, the arrangement has an agreed-upon end date: until the house is sold, the rental lease term is up, or the school year has ended. With an endpoint in sight, couples can find it easier to get through the period of cohabitation.

If you are considering a collaborative divorce in Burlington, our team of family lawyers and support staff is here to help you. We offer a free 30-minute initial consultation, so you can learn more about your divorce options at no cost to you. Call 905-315-6837 today to get started.