When couples marry, most hope that their union will last a lifetime, but statistics show that some couples will end up getting divorced at some point. California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that the spouse who is asking for a divorce does not have to state a specific reason why they want a divorce, only that they no longer wish to be married to their spouse.
Social scientists have studied some of the top factors that may predict whether or not a marriage is likely to end in divorce. One predictor is the age of the spouses when they became legally married. Couples who marry in their teenage years or after age 32 are more likely to experience divorce.
Education is another factor that may predict divorce rates. Where partners did not finish high school, over half of marriages end in divorce, compared to about 30 percent of marriages between college graduates. When the male partner in a marriage does not work full time, divorce rates are also higher.
The way that couples manage conflict is another predictor of the likelihood of divorce. A 2013 study indicated that a partner’s withdrawal during conflict was a predictor of higher divorce rates. Another study published suggested that where there is a pattern of one partner pressuring the other and receiving silence in return, the couple tends to be unhappier.
Couples heading for divorce may wish to consult an experienced divorce lawyer. Many decisions will need to be made during a divorce, such as visitation plans when children are involved and how property will be divided. A divorce lawyer may be able to assist clients with the negotiation process regarding child custody and property settlement as well as preparing clients for court if a trial becomes necessary.