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Committed, Cautious Millennials Lower US Divorce Rate


The divorce rate in the United States is actually dropping. The trend for divorce for the past decades was continually rising. Most people thought the millennials would be more impulsive. Many think the decline of old-school values would lead to more marriages ending in a break-up. But instead, the millennials have gone the other direction.

From 2008 to 2016, the divorce rate declined by 18%, and the trend is likely to continue. Why are Millennials more committed nowadays?

A More Careful Approach

While it is a positive development, the reason behind the drop in the divorce rate is not due to a return to traditional values. These are due to increased awareness and lessons learned—a deeper understanding of what marriage is and the far-reaching consequences of divorce.

Along with the decline of divorce, there was also a rise in the marrying age. The millennials are taking a more cautious approach towards marriage. They now have personal goals and they have set certain milestones that they want to reach even before they think about marriage. 

Most millennials want to have financial stability before they marry, and it is likely because they understand marriage more. While this may sound cynical to some, this generation’s knowledge about the demands of marriage has led to their decision to delay it.

Many of the millennials have experienced the divorce of their parents, and they have realized that even if their parents had a genuine love for each other, the financial demands of raising a family took its toll on the relationship. 

Hesitating to Commit

The trials of marriage are not limited to the financial aspect, as even the affluent have high divorce rates. Despite the slowly rising trend of open marriages and other mutual agreements, the notion of marriage being a lifetime, exclusive commitment still holds true for the general majority. 

Millennials already know that divorce is costly. It takes its toll financially, emotionally and mentally. Thus, today’s young professionals would think twice before making the jump. They want to make sure that they are ready, and if they still have any doubts about whether they have found the one they are willing to commit to, they would not pop the question.

Parental or family pressure has become less of a factor than ever before. Marriage is now a decision that they make for themselves. Thus, they are more than willing to wait a long time before tying the knot. They need to ensure that they are fulfilled as individuals before they even commit.

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Mr. Hutton is a Divorce and Custody Lawyer based out of Round Rock, TX. His background is with child psychology at Arizona State University where he received a B.S. in 2006, and he continued this by working with the Children’s Right’s Clinic at the University of Texas School of Law where he received his J.D. in 2009. Throughout his practice, he has been a strong proponent of utilizing modern technology to improve his practice and the representation of his clients. He currently is the technology chair of CAFA of Travis County and is committed to improving and modernizing the practice of law in Texas. If you have any questions you can contact him at timothy.hutton@austintexaslegal.com

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