What Are Your Chances of Getting Divorced?
There isn’t a mathematical equation that allows you to calculate whether you’ll be divorced in the coming years. However, there are some factors that can increase your risk of getting a divorce. Here’s a look at 4 risk factors and what they mean.
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Brought to you by Total Divorce.
Cohabitation
Couples who live together before getting married are more likely to file for divorce.
- Possible reasons are that the couple:
- May be hesitant about the relationship.
- Don’t have a lot to gain from marriage.
- May not stress the importance of marriage.
- Might not work on the commitment to each other.
- People who have lived with more than one partner are at a greater risk.
- Women who have lived with multiple partners before their first marriage are 40% more likely to divorce.
Education
- Women in their first marriage who had some education after high school (but didn’t get a bachelor’s degree) have the highest rate for divorce compared to other education levels.
- 23 divorces per 1,000 women
- Women with no high school diploma = 14.4 divorces per 1,000 women
- Women with college degrees = 14.2 divorces per 1,000 women
- Intelligence may be a factor, as well. Probability of a divorce within 5 years:
- IQ of 100 (below average) = 28%
- IQ of 130 (above average) = 9%
Previous Marriages
If both people in the marriage have been previously married, the couple is 90% more likely to face divorce than if it had been the first marriage for both parties.
When comparing the marriage count, here are the divorce percentages:
- 50% of first marriages
- 67% of second marriages
- 73% of third marriages
Why might this be the case?
- People marry on the rebound.
- Divorce is more likely the second or third time around because independent individuals are more protective of:
- Their emotional well-being.
- Their financial well-being.
- Absence of common children in later marriages.
- The family element isn’t as central.
- Less need to preserve a family unit.
- Children often serve as a stabilizing factor.
Financial Issues
- It seems people with modest incomes have less stress and are less likely to divorce.
- People with a $50,000 yearly income have a lower chance of getting divorced than those who make $25,000.
- Couples who have a disagreement once a week about finances are 30% more likely to get divorced than couples who argue less about finances in a month.
- Unequal earnings in the relationship can lead to unhappiness.
- Sometimes, when women make more than their husbands, they might:
- Feel angry about having to take care of the man.
- Not feel as feminine.
- As a result, respect can be lost.
Conclusion
These are only a handful of the reasons why couples get divorced. Many factors contribute to the decision, whether it’s based on social expectations, financial health, or any other source of stress or dissatisfaction.
