Older people more likely to be divorced

Wisconsin couples who are facing divorce may be interested to learn that in 2013, similar percentages of people fell into one of two categories by the age of 59. They were either still on their first marriage or they were divorced, separated or in later marriages. This is based on an examination of U.S. Census Bureau data by the Minnesota Population Center’s Integrated Public Microdata Sample Project.

One interesting statistic based on census data indicates that in both 1960 and 1980, more people in their 20s had ended marriages than those in 2013. Furthermore, more people in 1960 and 1980 also tended to be on their second or even third marriages than they were in 2013.

However, people over the age of 40 were more likely to be divorced in 2013 than in previous years. In fact, the percentage of people of that age group who are divorced has increased significantly compared to 1960 and 1980.

Whether people are in their 20s or 50s or on their first or subsequent marriages, divorce can be a difficult time. In addition to the emotional turmoil, there are many practical matters that must be dealt with. People may face significant lifestyle changes such as spending less time with their children or moving to a small apartment when they previously enjoyed a large home. An attorney may be able to assist a person who is going through divorce in negotiating a settlement agreement covering child support, child custody and property division. Some divorces may become very complex if the couple has significant assets or in other special circumstances such as if they own a business together. While Wisconsin is a community property state, there are still guidelines for deciding what counts as marital property.