New Jersey residents might find it interesting that both divorce and marriage rates have been dropping steadily. But while divorce becomes less common, the reasons for wanting to obtain one remain the same.
Less divorces, less marriages
Over the last few years, there has been a steady decline in divorce, with rates lower in 2019 than they were in 1970. According to census data, in 2019, 14.9 marriages out of 1,000 ended in divorce while in 1970, the number was slightly higher, with 15 marriages ending up in divorce. Marriages are also lasting slightly longer, with marriages lasting on average 19.8 years, which is almost a full year longer than they were lasting a decade ago.
However, census data also revealed that there are fewer marriages taking place. In 2019, only 33 out of 1,000 unmarried people got married. In 1970, the number was 86 out of 1,000. Financial issues are playing a big role in the declining marriage rate, with people saying that they do not have a stable job or cannot afford a wedding as reasons for not getting married. Education also seems to be a contributing factor to both marriage and divorce, with the rates for getting married and staying married being significantly higher for college-educated and wealthier people.
Why people get divorced
Even though divorce rates are dropping, the reasons why people seek to end their marriage remain the same. These include:
- Infidelity
- Addiction to drugs or alcohol
- Financial differences
- Growing apart and wanting something different
- Domestic violence
Divorce affects everyone in the family and for married couples who are also parents, it can be even more complex and have a lasting impact on the family dynamics. The delicate issues that need to be addressed during a divorce can include negotiating the division of assets, custody and child support.