When people think of divorce rates in America, they automatically assume that it is high. It is a common stereotype that marriages in the States do not last. While this may have held true in comparison to other countries, it is not so true in Colorado. New research shows that Colorado divorce rates are the lowest they have been in the last 10 years.
According to analysis conducted by the Colorado Public Radio, divorces have gone down in Colorado. Last year, there were 21,483 divorces in the state. This makes the average divorce rate 4.08% for every 1,000 people. That is the lowest it has been since 2004.
One of the leading factors for the decrease in divorces is that people are waiting longer to get married. The median age individuals marry now is 29 for men and 27 for women. To understand the significance of these numbers, in 1964, people married around the age of 23 for men and 21 for women. Researchers believe that because people marry when they are older, it gives them a chance to mature. Science shows that the brain’s prefrontal cortex (controls emotions) does not fully mature until the age 25. This means that waiting for marriage gives individuals time to grow up.
Another leading cause for lower divorce rates are that people are obtaining more education. According to the Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics, Colorado ranks second for the number of people who have at least a bachelor degree. Having a higher education usually translates to more stable jobs. This financial stability also lends to steady marriages.
At The Harris Law Firm, we are glad to see the divorce rates lowering. We believe that marriage is important and people should work on them. However, we also understand when two people need to go their separate ways. We offer help in a variety of family law matters, including mediation, non-traditional family law, annulment, and divorce. Contact our Colorado divorce attorneys for a consultation.
