Divorce trends shift over the years. Here is what you need to know about divorce trends for 2020.
With the average age of marriage is increasing nationwide, it would make sense that people would be staying together for longer, and that the rate of divorce would be decreasing; after all, when one gets married older, they often have a better sense of who they are and what they want. And while the rate of divorce is dropping (the chance of uncoupling is about 39%, according to a 2018 article in TIME), there is still a large percentage of people who are calling it quits. If you live in New Jersey and are thinking about parting ways with your spouse, here is what you need to know about some current divorce trends:
Parents Want to Share Parenting Time
Gone are the days when the mother and wife in the relationship was the primary caregiver; today, both parents often work and share parenting responsibilities. As such, when parents divorce, both are likely to want to have custody of their children. As a result of the shift in stereotypical household and gender roles, more parents are sharing parenting time 50/50 post-divorce. What is more, there has even been proposed legislation in Trenton to pass a law that would require an automatic presumption of 50/50 parenting time.
More Retirees are Getting Divorced in NJ
50 years ago, getting a divorce was highly stigmatized. Today, however, divorce is often viewed as a positive when a marriage is no longer functioning to the point where it is healthy for both parties. As such, many couples who have been married for decades are seeking divorce, leading to a phenomenon known as “grey divorce.”
Litigation is Out: Mediation is in
Embracing a sense of collaboration and cooperation, more couples are choosing to mediate their divorces rather than litigate them. Choosing collaborative mediation over litigation has many benefits, including that mediation is often a quicker way to a settlement, mediation is less expensive than litigation, and mediation can be key for preserving a sense of cooperation in the relationship, which may be especially important if the couple has children.
Note that while mediation is more popular overall, the choice to mediate is not for everyone. In fact, for some couples, emotions seem to be running hotter than ever. This may be, in part, a result of the use of social media, which can fuel emotions and enrage parties who see their spouse engaging in adulterous or unprincipled behavior.
Work with a Skilled NJ Family Law Attorney if You are Thinking About Divorce
If divorce is on your mind, it is best to consult with a skilled family law attorney as early on in the process as possible. Regardless of the various current divorce trends, you need an attorney who is committed to your case; your divorce will be unique and personal, and you need an attorney who understands that.
At the law office of Lomurro Law, our skilled New Jersey family law attorneys appreciate how emotional divorce cases can be, and always approach your case sensitively. We have attorneys that handle litigation and collaborative mediation. To learn more about our services, please call us today or send us a message at your convenience.