Many couples tying the knot in Pennsylvania have visions of spending a lifetime together. But given the fact that more than a million Americans file for divorce each year, this isn’t always an achievable goal. The good news is that divorce rates are on the decline in the 21st century although part of the reason for this trend may be that fewer people are exchanging vows. In 2017, nearly 7 out of every 1,000 Americans were married, which is down from 8.2 per 1,000 in 2000.
To get a better idea of marriage and divorce trends, a leading financial news and commentary website looked at a community survey prepared by the Census Bureau. They also considered population data per state and five-year averages up through 2017 to determine how marriage and divorce rates stacked by on a state-by-state basis. Only individuals legally divorced who had not remarried were considered for the divorce rate figures.
Louisiana had the lowest divorce rate at 1.9 per 1,000 residents, followed by Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts and Texas. Nevada, a state known for its quickie weddings, had the most people legally wed at 28.6 per 1,000. Utah has the highest married population, yet the state ranked fourth with its marriage rate. Nevada also topped the list of states with the most divorced people, followed by Oklahoma, Wyoming and Idaho. With the 11th lowest divorce rate, Pennsylvania isn’t a bad place to enjoy a lengthy union. However, the Keystone State also has the 8th lowest marriage rate.
During the legal separation period, a family law attorney may suggest that a couple contemplating divorce consider marriage counseling first. If this isn’t an option or desire, a lawyer typically sizes up marital assets, attempts to negotiate a mutually acceptable divorce agreement and provides advice on how to go about seeking custody or spousal support.
