Everyone by now has heard the often-quoted statistic that approximately 50% of all marriages in America end up in divorce. However, what people may not realize is that marrying at a young age can significantly increase your change of divorce. According to roundupdaily.com, the National Center for Health Statistics reports that 60% of those individuals who marry between the ages of 20 and 25 will end up divorced.
The article cites a number of reasons why young marriages are more likely to fail. Emotional immaturity, limited life experiences, lack of one’s sense as an individual, and a lack of time to spend together are all factors that can contribute to the failure of a young marriage. Likewise, younger people tend to act upon endorphins and feelings of happiness, rather than concrete emotions that will make a marriage more likely to last.
Furthermore, scientific research shows that women’s brains are not fully developed until age 25, and men’s brains do not develop until even later, between the ages of 25 and 30. As a result, individuals who marry before the age of 25 may not have the mental capacity to form the kind of bond needed to sustain a marriage. Finally, unrealistic expectations tend to doom young marriages, as well. Young marriage partners may not realize the full extent of what is needed to sustain a marriage over a long period of time, and may later decide that they don’t have a sufficiently strong relationship to maintain the marriage over the long term.
Whether you are a part of a young marriage, or simply have decided to get divorced after a long marriage, you will need legal advice from an experienced divorce attorney in order to adequately handle your situation. Contact our office today, and let us help you explore your options.