Over the past few years, the divorce rate in the U.S. has decreased. Many people have attributed this fact to the decline in marriages.
While the lower rate of marital unions has affected the divorce rate, a closer look reveals a more relevant reason for the decline, as well as trends for specific demographics. Understanding this can help you take the right approach to your divorce.
Millennials
Millennials, those born in the ’80s to mid-’90s, are the least likely to get a divorce, reports Bloomberg. They are responsible for the overall decline of the national divorce rate. This trend is due to millennials not marrying until they are older and more stable. They tend to have more education and financial independence by the time they choose to settle down, which influences their choice in companion and reduces potential arguments in some areas.
If you are in this group and considering divorce, your financial past can be an advantage. Property division only applies to assets you have obtained or increased during the marriage, those to which your spouse has contributed, and any resources you have commingled. Whatever you gained before your wedding day generally remains yours.
Baby boomers
Baby boomers have a high divorce rate, with the biggest increase being for those 65 years old and up. This trend has earned the nickname “gray divorce” from legal pundits. If you are going through a late-in-life divorce, you have special considerations. You are more likely to have numerous or complex marital assets. You may also have to worry about health insurance and retirement. It usually takes careful planning to handle all the financial consequences of ending your marriage.
Limited education
Those who have only a high school degree are less likely to get married, reveals The Atlantic, a trend which used to be the opposite in the past. Instead, cohabitation is the popular choice, but the relationships tend to be unstable. If you are living with your partner but have not married and you have children, it is important to establish paternity in case you split up. Custody and child support still apply to unmarried couples.