For Tennessee residents going through a divorce, it may be comforting to know that you are far from alone. Although our state prides itself on its “traditional” values, the fact is that we have a higher divorce rate than many other states.
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that almost one-third of men and women in Tennessee have been married at least twice. The national average for both genders is just under a quarter. People who have been divorced once have a higher rate of subsequent divorce.
Tennessee divorce rates vary by county. According to a University of Tennessee sociology professor, “Poverty puts a major stresser on a marriage.” The professor notes other factors as well that can be predictors of whether a couple will stay together. For example, people who subscribe to a particular religious faith, who live in a rural area and who marry some time in their late 20s or their early 30s are more likely to stay together.
It’s also important for couples to discuss some important topics before taking the marital plunge. These include religion, parenting, intimacy expectations, finances and how they’ll deal with sickness.
The state actually has premarital counseling resources to help couples have a greater chance of staying together. Couples who take advantage of this counseling get a $60 discount on their marriage license.
No couple goes into a marriage expecting that one day it will end. However, if and when it does, it’s essential to have sound legal guidance to help you work out a settlement that will allow you to move on to the next stage of your life as comfortably as possible.
Source: WATE.com, “What’s fueling Tennessee divorces?,” Kristin Farley, Nov. 16, 2015