Serious financial issues have struck families throughout Belleville, Illinois, and cities all across the country in recent years. Countless individuals that were once financially independent and secure in their livelihoods encountered sudden and devastating setbacks like job loss and bankruptcy, and many are only now beginning to rebound financially. It’s no wonder, then, that so many people have learned to delay plans and hold off on making large investments until they are better off. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that thousands of married couples even put off divorce until they could afford it.
Family law attorneys around the country have noted a decline in cases since the recession hit. In fact, some couples seeking divorce have been forced to account for the expense of the process by continuing to live together. It is estimated that some no-contest divorces can cost between $800 and $1000, and the price typically increases if a case requires litigation.
It may come as little surprise to many, then, that there was a recorded decline in divorce rates in recent years. Some argued that the difficulties experienced by couples across the nation actually brought them together and saved marriages, but new research suggests that some couples may have been waiting until they could afford to legally split.
According to a study conducted by a sociologist with the University of Maryland, divorce rates are now on the rise once again since the national economy is beginning to rebound. The survey revealed some interesting and contradictory findings to previous studies, and experts suggest that more research is necessary to make specific correlations. However, the notable fall and rise in divorce rates may suggest that couples that see their financial difficulties as temporary will delay divorce in some cases.
Source: Los Angeles Times, “Divorces rise as economy recovers, study finds,” Emily Alpert Reyes, Jan. 27, 2014