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What are the Risk Factors That Most Commonly Lead to Divorce?

Obviously, every divorce is different, as each person’s relationship is different. But based on numerous studies done over the course of decades, psychologists have been able to determine some risk factors that make it more likely a person will get divorced in their lifetime.

Here’s a quick look at some examples of these common risk factors.

  • Divorced parents: Numerous studies show children of divorced parents are more likely to get divorced themselves someday.
  • Age at marriage: People who get married particularly young (teens and early 20s) are more likely to get divorced than people who get married in their mid-20s to mid-30s. Meanwhile, people who get married after age 40 once again see an increased risk of divorce.
  • Alcohol or substance use: Approximately half of couples who have mismatched substance use habits get divorced within their first decade of marriage. So if one person in the marriage is a heavy drinker and the other is not, that marriage is at much greater risk due to this disparity.
  • Cost of wedding: The more expensive a wedding, the more likely it is that the couple will get divorced at some point. Couples who spent more than $20,000 were three and a half times as likely to get divorced as couples who spent $5,000 to $10,000 in a 2015 study.
  • Speed with which you have children: One study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that people who had a baby at least eight months after their wedding were significantly more likely to make it to their 15th anniversary than people who had a baby within their first seven months of marriage, or before the wedding. This is most likely because in the former case, the prospect of a new or coming child did not hasten marriage plans.

For more information about risk factors of divorce, contact an experienced Minneapolis divorce lawyer at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A.

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  • "With Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A., it is like having a family physician. They are all knowledgeable, thorough, comforting, and the only call I need to make for all my legal needs for many years to come. No matter what the matter, I totally trust their advice and commitment to me and my family." - J.N.

  • "Mary from APH Law helped me thru a difficult divorce. She and the entire staff was there for me every step of the way helping me on what to do next. They listened to what I wanted and helped me achieve what matter the most to me in the divorce settlement." - Dana C.

  • "I chose APH after my initial consultation with Mary. I felt my best interest would be represented. The entire process went excellent, the attorneys and staff communicated effectively and efficiently with me throughout the process as they needed to. Being new to the legal process and verbiage, they walked me and talked me through the next steps and the jargon, I felt completely comfortable and represented. I hope I never have to use legal services again but if I do I will call Mary at APH Law and know that I will be taken care of." - Jeff M.

  • "Divorce is a time of emotion and stress. Mary Pfeifer , My lawyer was professional and compassionate. She was very informative through the process. Her insight helped me in my decisions. She worked hard to obtain a settlement which was fair to both parties. Though, I hope I won't need her help again. It is reassuring to know a good person that is willing to help." - Rod S.

  • "I first came to Ms. Jacquelyn Lutz of Appelhof, Pfeifer and Hart in October of 2016. It was definitely the worst time in my life and she compassionately spoke with me about my options. Ms. Lutz thoroughly explained the laws, statutes, process and what to expect going forward. What was supposed to be one case, turned into three intricate cases that took a huge toll on me and my family. Ms. Lutz represented me in court on all three cases with a vast knowledge of the laws and how to proceed accordingly. During all three cases she kept me informed, calm, gave me resources to utilize, and (most important) gave me a realistic view of what may come next. Ms. Lutz knew each case required a great deal of knowledge and creative thinking on how to legally proceed forward with each case. My family and friends are forever grateful for the amazing representation by Ms. Lutz. I highly recommend Ms. Lutz for anyone needing or considering superb representation for any kind of family law. " - M.H.

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