There was once a time when the odds of a marriage lasting were universally accepted as being roughly 50-50, which did not bode well for those considering tying the knot. But recent data analysis has provided some eye-opening statistics about the societal shifts around matrimony. Researchers have found that younger generations are proving significantly more adept at making their marriages last.

The reasons for this are not entirely clear, but the numbers are irrefutable. People are waiting longer to get married, and once they get married, they’re managing to avoid divorce and stay married.

The different generational groups have approached marriage in very different ways. The Baby Boomers born between 1946 and 1964 got married young and often quickly, sometimes without the benefit of knowing each other well or of fully understanding the many challenges involved. By contrast, the millennials born between 1977 and 1995 have approached marriage with an apparent sense of restraint and thoughtfulness. After having witnessed their own parents’ divorces and examining the reasons behind them, they’ve chosen to accumulate greater financial reserves and pursue career success before marriage. They’ve also spent an average of five years with their partners, often living together, making significant purchases together and signing prenuptial agreements, all with the intent of making sure that they share values and are compatible.

The result has been both a drop in the number of marriages taking place, but also a remarkable 24% decline in the rate of divorce since the 1980s and 18 percent from 2008 to 2016. Even more startling is the fact that the majority of divorces that are happening are among older adults. Between 1990 ad 2015, the divorce rate for those between the ages of 55 and 64 doubled. They tripled for those 65 and over. This has led to the coining of a new phrase – grey divorce – referring to a continuing trend of older people increasingly seeking a divorce.

There’s a lot to be said for younger people taking their time and carefully considering before committing to a marriage, but even with that level of thoughtfulness, not every union will last. Whether you have been in a marriage for decades or for a shorter period of time, if you are considering divorce you need the guidance of an experienced attorney. To speak with one of our compassionate professionals, contact our office today.