How have historic trends and the recent impacts of the pandemic impacted family life in San Diego? Important studies regarding marriage and divorce provide insight into these trends as well as insight into the realities associated with family law and the importance of working with the experienced Certified Family Law Specialists at Burke & Domercq.
Presently, California has one of the lowest rates of divorce in the nation (9%) in 2021 according to a recent study. The divorce rate in California and around the country had been slowly decreasing annually prior to the pandemic. However, several recent studies have shown the divorce rate in the US increased by more than 34% in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Other studies have reported that marriages are increasing, but experts are quick to point out that the two trends are not closely related. The number of marriages plummeted in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis as well as due to cohabiting becoming less stigmatized, but the 32.2 marriages per 1,000 unmarried women figure observed in recent studies is viewed by analysts as a sign that marriage rates are now beginning to stabilize. While marriage and divorce figures may fluctuate from year to year, the chances of a couple staying together remain about one in two, according to experts.
The incredible combination of uncertainty, impact upon school schedules and extra-curricular activities, feelings of isolation, months of stress and increased responsibility has caused many individuals and couples to reflect upon their lives and the connections in their lives. As a result, the pandemic has resulted in a substantial increase in divorce across the United States and worldwide.
The data in multiple studies also shows that social and economic factors can greatly influence marriage and divorce rates. Couples who have attended college and earn high incomes tend to marry in greater numbers and stay together longer than those with only high school educations who earn less, and couples in more conservative parts of the country are more likely to marry and less likely to cohabit than those living in more progressive areas.
Fears over the financial consequences of divorce can be a deterrent to marriage, and this can be particularly true in community property states like California.
How does this information inform those considering marriage or a divorce in San Diego and across California? The experienced Certified Family Law Specialists at Burke & Domercq may suggest prenuptial agreements to couples who wish to strengthen their relationship by working through specific issues in advance of a marriage. Planning is perhaps the most important ingredient to successfully achieving your goals regarding divorce and/or child custody and parenting time.
We provide sound counsel and advice to help you to prepare for the opportunities and challenges ahead and the information necessary to protect your interests and facilitate the goals you have established. Marriage and divorce are obviously quite separate in their nature, but the issues of family law are intricately connected to both.
Protect your own interests and contact us or call 760-389-3927 to schedule an appointment for a remote or socially distanced consultation with one of our experienced Certified Family Law Specialists.