415+ Google Reviews
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we’ve conducted a study of divorce data to help estranged parents prioritize their child’s happiness during challenging transitions. According to data we’ve collected, 24.5% or 673,989 of the 2,065,905 marriages recorded in 2022 ended in divorce or annulment.
We’ve also found that the most common reasons for divorce are infidelity, domestic abuse, financial issues, and incompatibility.
With this information, we aim to provide insights and tips to support estranged parents in focusing on their children’s well-being during times of family restructuring.
Surprising Facts About the Divorce Rate in the United States
Divorce refers to the legal dissolution of a marriage conducted by a court or other body. As mentioned above, 24.5% of the marriages recorded in 2022 ended in divorce or annulment.
Since 1990, the U.S. has seen a significant decline in divorce rates, driven by factors such as greater financial and educational stability among couples and evolving cultural norms around marriage and cohabitation.
However, “gray divorce,” or divorces among individuals aged 50 and older, has tripled during the same period, reflecting shifting dynamics in long-term marriages. Simultaneously, marriage rates have also declined, indicating a general shift in attitudes toward traditional marital commitments.
Leading Causes of Divorce and How to Prepare for It
While studying divorce data, we’ve found that most marriages end due to lack of commitment, infidelity, domestic abuse, incompatibility, and financial issues.
Among these, lack of commitment is the leading cause, accounting for approximately 505,492 out of 673,989 divorces, as one or both partners fail to put in the effort to sustain the relationship.
Infidelity follows closely, with 404,393 marriages dissolving due to betrayal of trust. At the same time, domestic abuse, including physical and emotional harm, contributes to 161,757 divorces, highlighting the need for safety and well-being in marital partnerships.
When domestic abuse leads a couple to separate and file for divorce, legal assistance is necessary. Fortunately, a skilled family lawyer can provide the compassionate and skilled advocacy you need to deal with a difficult divorce.
In addition to hiring an attorney, there are several other steps you can take to prepare for a divorce, including the following:
- Organize your financial records for asset division and child support calculations
- Create a parenting plan prioritizing your children’s needs
- Establish a separate bank account for financial independence
- Discuss custody arrangements and co-parenting strategies with your spouse
- Seek emotional support from a mental health counselor or trusted friends
In addition to these practical steps, it’s important to approach divorce with patience and understanding, especially when children are involved. Prioritizing your child’s well-being, maintaining open lines of communication, and creating new traditions can help ease the transition for them.
As you deal with the many challenges of divorce, remember that legal, financial, and emotional preparation can make a significant difference in ensuring a smoother process for both you and your family.
By focusing on stability, safety, and support, you can minimize the emotional toll and work toward a healthier post-divorce future for everyone involved.
Supporting Children During Divorce
According to our findings, out of 673,989 divorces, 336,995 involve couples with children. This can create unique challenges for families during transitions. Data from 2023 shows that 5.8% of children from divorced parents live only with their mother, while 1.6% live with their father.
These living conditions can put stress on children. To ease this, parents can follow these tips:
- Prioritize your child’s well-being by avoiding arguments with your ex-spouse in their presence
- Create new traditions that foster positive experiences, like volunteering or attending special events
- Encourage your child to express their feelings and offer support when they need it
- Coordinate with your ex-spouse for fair time-sharing arrangements
- Focus on quality time and making memories instead of purchasing material gifts
These tips are essential for creating a supportive environment, which can be a time of confusion and emotional strain for children of divorced parents.
Prioritizing your child’s well-being by keeping arguments away from them helps maintain a sense of stability and safety. Creating new traditions can give your child something to look forward to and can reduce the feelings of division between two households.
Encouraging open communication allows your child to process their emotions, while fair time-sharing agreements with your ex-spouse ensure that both parents remain involved in the child’s life.
Focusing on quality time over material gifts shifts the emphasis to creating lasting memories, which children will cherish more in the long run.
Tips from a Relationship Expert
In addition to taking the above-mentioned steps, you can also help your child navigate this transition by taking advice from experts on relationships and divorces. We recently spoke with renowned relationship expert, author, and podcast host Jennifer Hurvitz.
During our conversation, Hurvitz remarked that “plans (and custody arrangements) can be flexible if you and your ex are agreeable and amicable.
Listen, rules for co-parenting can be broken. There is nothing wrong with creating a schedule that works for everyone if the kids agree. Your kids would love it; it shows them you can act like grown-ups, too. And if you have alternating schedules, there is no reason you can’t adapt to fit the current needs of your family.”
Jennifer Hurvitz’s advice emphasizes the importance of flexibility and cooperation between co-parents during transitions. Her insights highlight that if both parents can put their differences aside, they can create a more enjoyable experience for their children.
Small gestures like sharing time or adjusting custody arrangements to allow both parents to be involved show children that their parents can work together for their happiness.
This approach not only strengthens the bond with the child but also models mature, respectful behavior for them. Ultimately, keeping the child’s emotional well-being at the forefront of decisions can make transitions smoother and more meaningful for everyone involved.
Quote
“With nearly 674,000 divorces each year, the emotional toll on children is undeniable. It’s crucial to prioritize their well-being and create stability during challenging family transitions.”
“Co-parents face challenges in creating joyful experiences for their children. This campaign offers vital advice to help families navigate co-parenting, keeping children’s happiness at the forefront.”
Final Thoughts
Divorce is a complex and emotionally challenging experience, especially for families with children. With nearly 674,000 divorces annually in the U.S., the impact on children is profound, as many end up living primarily with one parent.
However, divorced parents can still provide a stable and joyful environment by prioritizing the child’s well-being, avoiding conflict, and fostering positive family dynamics. They can also help their children by working with a skilled family lawyer.
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we can provide the divorce, child custody, and child support legal services you need to prioritize your child’s well-being throughout the divorce process. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a trusted attorney and learn more about how we can help you.
