When to Get a Divorce

Official divorce rates in America vary depending on the source, how many times a person has been married, and the age of those married. Many claim that the overall divorce rate in America is around 50%, but this percentage is much higher for second or third marriages (up to 73% for third marriages). As divorce becomes more acceptable and, unfortunately, more common, married couples must consider when to get a divorce.

The majority of childless marriages end in divorce. This seems to indicate that the presence of children in a marriage is a reason people might not consider when to get a divorce. However, married parents should not rule out divorce if the marriage is not working. If either spouse is being abusive, divorce should be an immediate consideration, especially if lives are in danger. Many people will immediately consider divorce if a spouse is caught having an affair. Divorce should also be considered if either spouse is truly unhappy or dissatisfied his or her partner. However, counseling and some discussion is recommended before most couples decide to separate or divorce.

Divorce can be more easily prevented by being smart about getting married. Young adults are far more likely to be in a marriage that ends in divorce than adults in their thirties or forties. So, do not get married too young, as this time in people's lives is full of change and growing up. Do not rush into marriage after a short period of dating - in essence, get to know the person you are marrying. Living with a person before marrying him or her is often the best way to truly know if a relationship will work out.

The truth is that people get divorced for all kinds of reasons, both rational and irrational. Some people might think about when to divorce if a partner has violated a prenuptial agreement. Regardless, marriages do take a certain amount of work by both husband and wife, and, if either partner is unwilling to put forth an effort, it will most likely end in failure.