One important thing to remember about divorce odds is that they are not the same for everyone. Even if you just look at the overall divorce odds in the United States, that does not mean that every couple has the same exact chance of splitting up. There are many different factors that can influence this.
For example, some studies have found that getting married before age 32 means you have higher divorce odds than if you waited. Young marriages just tend to fail faster. Couples are more likely to drift apart over time, run into financial difficulties or feel that they made an impulsive mistake. A couple that got married at 22 simply has much higher divorce odds than a couple that got married at 32, even if all other factors are the same.
One other area that research has identified, which sometimes comes as a surprise, is that the length of a commute can influence divorce. Specifically, a commute that is over 45 minutes tends to push those odds up by 40%. Why would this be true?
Keeping the couple apart
The problem with a long commute is that it keeps a couple apart for more time, so they have less opportunity to invest in their relationship. They are more likely to grow apart. Someone who spends eight or nine hours at the office, along with another hour and a half on the road, just does not have as much time for their marriage.
This can also cause stress for parents. When one person has a long commute or a demanding job, the other person may feel like they are essentially raising the children on their own, without the support they expected.
Getting a divorce
Are you and your partner considering a divorce this year? If so, it is crucial that you understand all of your legal options.
