Family Law Blog

Recession May Affect Colorado Divorce Rates

By Denver Divorce Lawyer on February 22, 2011

As a recession deepens, couples may set aside plans to divorce, either for personal or financial reasons, but when the economy bounces back, couples may revisit those divorce plans once more, according to a recent study at the University of Virginia.

The National Marriage Project, housed at the University of Virginia, recently released a study of the effect of the economy on divorce rates, and followed 1,129 couples between the ages 18 to 45. The “Survey of Marital Generosity” found that during the recent recession, 29 percent of married Americans believed their marriage improved. In addition, 38 percent of couples who had been considering getting a divorce changed their minds.

The study’s author W. Brad Wilcox says that the data reflects one of marriage’s basic functions: to provide mutual support to two adults. When times get tough, couples may gain a new respect for one another by weathering the storm together, according to Wilcox. In addition, financial pressures may make it difficult or even impossible for a married couple to subsist on their own, leading to the decision to stay together even though neither spouse believes the marriage can still work.

Financial concerns loom large during both marriage and divorce. If you are thinking about getting a divorce in Colorado, consulting an experienced Denver family law attorney like those at Kaplan Law, L.L.C. can help you put matters in perspective and figure out what the best option is for you and your family – including how to protect your financial needs and concerns. To schedule a free consultation, call Kaplan Law today at 1-877-527-5260.