Determining if divorce is less common or not often depends on what figures and timeframe a person is comparing. It is popular for people to conversationally comment that half of marriages end in divorce but that is not necessarily true. While there was an increase in the divorce rate during the 1970s in the US, the rate has declined in the following decades. That said, there are fewer couples opting to marry in the first place as well.
Whether you are cohabitating, marrying, or in the process of ending a marriage, there are legal documents that can protect your future.
A Decade of Marriage and Divorce Declines
There have been many societal changes in the past 50 years, and as a result it is more common for couples to choose to marry later than prior generations or decide to not marry at all. Many theories have been shared about why this has occurred. Some analysts point to student debt and other financial obligations making it difficult for young couples to marry because they do not feel financially secure enough to start a family. Others say it is simply more acceptable for young people to focus on a career first.
Whatever the reason, the US census bureau reported that from 2008 to 2018 there was a decrease in both marriage rates and divorce rates. This is national data and each region is unique, but the trend is apparent throughout much of the US.
Securing Your Rights In a Long-Term Relationship
If you are involved in a long-term relationship and you and your partner have agreed to share a life but not to marry, it is important you take legal steps to protect yourself should the relationship dissolve. This is particularly true if you have chosen to do any of the following together; purchase one or more properties, build a business, or raise children.
There are many options if a marriage or long-term relationship ends. For example, many find mediation to be a path to resolution. Then, a third party can help to settle disputes and establish parenting agreements when there are children involved. To learn more about legal options when entering or leaving a relationship, connect with a skilled Tampa family lawyer. An experienced legal team has knowledge you need. And they have access to a wide array of Florida professionals, from counselors to accountants, who can provide you with support as well.
What are your legal concerns when it comes to long-term relationships and marriage? Having questions is common, and legal professionals can guide you through the process and inform you of possible outcomes. It is important to recognize that marriage is a legal union, and skilled Tampa family lawyers can help you build the life you want now and into the future.
