If you could reduce your risk of getting divorced, would you? Although there is no way to know for sure whether or not your marriage will last, divorce can provide important insights into what makes most couples decide to end things. Learning six of the most common risk factors for divorce could shed light on whether or not your relationship will last.
Age at Marriage
Getting married young may increase the risk of a couple getting divorced. Divorce studies have shown that couples who get married in their teens and early 20s may be at a greater risk of getting divorced than couples who marry later in life. However, the risk of divorce also increases for couples that marry after the age of 32 – making the best time to marry between the ages of 25 and 32.
Age Difference
A large age gap between the spouses can increase the risk of getting a divorce. A couple where one spouse is more than nine years older than the other is twice as likely to divorce than other couples. An age difference may mean that each person is in a different phase of life, or that they want different things over the years. One person may want children, for example, while the other may already be finished with that part of life.
Financial Situations
Studies consistently show that one of the major causes of divorce is financial struggles. Finances are one of the main things couples fight about. Being under financial stress can strain the relationship, leading to fights and general unhappiness. Ultimately, being in a difficult financial situation could lead to divorce.
Children and Dependents
Couples who are pregnant or already have children when they get married are more likely to get divorced than couples who have children after their first year of marriage. Children can add a great deal of stress to a household. A couple that has not been together long before welcoming a baby may have a harder time adapting to the change and making the marriage work.
Major Medical Issues
If one spouse develops a major medical issue, this can increase the risk of the couple splitting up. Medical issues can place strain on a marriage financially and emotionally. A medical issue is more likely to result in divorce if it is the wife who gets sick and not the husband. A husband may not be willing to adapt to life as a caretaker, or else the financial strain of medical treatments may be too much.
Educational Background
Educational background can directly affect the amount of money a couple makes, which can in turn affect the couple’s happiness. An education can also give a couple important life skills, such as how to communicate and compromise. Studies show that spouses who have at least four-year degrees are less likely to get divorced than couples with less education.
Can I Reduce Divorce Risk Factors?
It may be possible to reduce your risk of getting a divorce. Pay attention to risk factors and do your best to avoid them. Wait a few years to get married if you are young, for example, or plan to have children after your first year of marriage. Use the following tips to give your marriage its best chance at succeeding:
- Take it slow. Don’t rush into getting married. Take the time to make sure you know who you are and what you want before making this commitment.
- Seek counseling if needed. Individual or couples counseling can provide excellent insights into potential issues, allowing you to tackle them before it’s too late.
- Live together before getting married. Consider moving in with your partner before you get married. This can allow you both to ease into a more committed relationship and find out if you are truly compatible.
If you do end up seeking a divorce despite taking steps to reduce your risk, contact San Diego lawyers who handle divorce lawsuits for legal assistance.
