The United States has an average divorce rate between 40 and 50 percent, with 70 percent of women initiating the divorce proceedings. There are a variety of factors that impact these numbers, and while divorce rates have been trending down in recent years, many speculate this is due to cohabitation and millennials foregoing marriage altogether.

Divorce Predictors

There are many factors that can contribute to a more long-lasting marriage. Some of the most impactful include the age of the individuals when they married, as well as if they have any previous divorces.

Studies show that when individuals get married in their teens, there is a high likelihood that they will get divorced. Interestingly, if you get married after the age of 32, your chances for divorce increase by 5 percent for every year you are older.

Why Women Get Divorced

1. Financial Security

For many women, divorce can lead to financial insecurity. This is especially true for women who are financially dependent on their spouses. Women who have a higher education and are more financially independent are able to feel secure in their decision for divorce if they are confident in their ability to support themselves.

For some individuals who have only separated, a divorce can help facilitate alimony payments. For these women, divorce creates more security because they will have the assistance of the court to obtain financial compensation that they may have not been previously receiving.

2. Hormonal Changes

Most women tend to file for divorce between the age of 45 and 55. There are many arguments as to why this may occur, among them being the kids are older and sometimes out of the house. Others speculate that the hormonal shift in women due to menopause or perimenopause also contributes to this increase in divorce.

Menopause causes a variety of issues for women at this age, including feelings of depression, weight gain, vaginal dryness, and low energy. Additionally, oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” decreases. These symptoms not only affect a woman’s relationship in regards to communication, but also negatively impact her sex life. As a result, women have more difficulty with their marriage, leading to a greater desire to end it.

3. Emotional Needs

As individuals mature and change, their desires and goals change as well. While a woman may have put up with the lack of emotional support or difficulties in her marriage while her children were younger, this changes. As the children become older and leave the house, a woman has more time to reflect on her own needs and what she wants.

Often, the problems in a marriage become front and center as the demands of life change, and a woman may choose to end her marriage in order to put her needs first. Unfortunately, women are used to not being fulfilled in their marriage. If a couple have children, they are 50% more likely to stay together for them. This changes, however, once the kids are older, and problems become apparent, increasing the likelihood of divorce.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why individuals choose to pursue divorce. If you find yourself in a position where you need assistance, find a well-qualified divorce attorney who is also familiar with family law, to make sure that all of your bases are covered.

Despite your reasons, you need support during this time. A good attorney is essential, whether your divorce is amicable or tumultuous.