During the past few decades, experts have claimed that the divorce rate in the United States has been declining. According to a recent study, however, that data may have been flawed.
Recently, researchers from the University of Minnesota published a study in Demography concluding that, contrary to popular belief, the divorce rate has actually been rising in the United States for the past three decades. The researchers found that errors were made in the way divorce rate data was compiled in recent decades.
In addition, the researchers were able to examine accurate data since 2008, as the U.S. Census Bureau has been compiling specific information regarding divorces in the United States since that time.
According to the results of the study, the divorce rate in the United States has actually doubled during the past 20 years for those over 35 years of age.
Most recent rise in divorce rate attributed to economy
Most recently, the rising divorce rate has been explained by the improving economy in the U.S. When the recession hit, many Americans put their thoughts of divorce on hold, as they were concerned about finances. According to a University of Arizona economics professor, in 2009 – in the midst of the recession – the number of people getting divorced in the U.S. was the lowest it had been in 40 years.
Since the economy has begun to rebound, many people have started to reconsider ending marriages that are no longer thriving. In 2012, approximately 2.4 million Americans got divorced – making 2012 the third consecutive year that the U.S. divorce rate rose.
One of the reasons many people put divorce on hold during the recession was the drop in home prices at the time. When a couple divorces, the home is typically one of the most valuable assets that must be divided.
During the recession, when home prices were at an all-time low, many people could not consider selling their home. In the second quarter of 2006, home prices fell 35 percent in the United States. As the value of family homes has increased, however, the prospect of selling the home is more manageable. During just the third quarter of 2013, the value of homes in the U.S. rose by 22 percent.
If you have been thinking about getting a divorce, but have been concerned about the financial implications, now is a good time to revisit your plan. In such situations, taking the time to consult with an experienced family law attorney will ensure your rights are protected.