Although stereotyped as the cohabitation generation, Millennials aspire to marriage. They’re less likely to divorce than Generation X and Baby Boomer spouses, and when they do separate, the process looks vastly different than it did in the past.
Increased Likelihood of Prenuptial Agreements
Divorce differences between generations begin long before couples choose to split. In a 2016 American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers survey, 62 percent of respondents noted an uptick in prenuptial agreements, with 51 percent observing more Millennials asking for prenups. Many regard prenuptial or postnuptial agreements as a form of insurance, which actually increases their perception of relationship security.
Low Divorce Rates
Millennials are statistically less likely to marry or divorce than their Gen X and Baby Boomer predecessors. A recent Gallup analysis revealed that 3 percent of Millennials divorced by 2016, versus 27 percent who remained married and 59 percent of whom had yet to tie the knot.
Reduced Stigma
Divorced Millennials report reduced stigma compared to divorcees from previous generations. In fact, many divorcees admit that their friends and family members encouraged dissolution so they could pursue goals not supported by their previous spouse. Negative perceptions still exist, but tend to take the form of ‘I told you so’ statements. Reduced stigma may stem from high rates of divorce among Millennials’ parents or increased family diversity. Millennials acknowledge the value in a wide range of family structures, including same-sex couples, unmarried parents, single-parent households and more.
The Role of Social Media
Once a relatively private affair, divorces regularly play out over the internet in an age of social media. Although heavily discouraged from sharing divorce details on Facebook or Instagram, many Millennial spouses struggle to resist temptation. This goes both ways however; while many post incriminating evidence online, others celebrate successful dissolution with divorce selfies.
Increasingly, social media sparks divorce in the first place. A noteworthy study published in Computers and Human Behavior noted a clear correlation between social networking sites and troubled relationships in which partners think about divorce. Further research indicates a link between time spent on Facebook and jealousy, which, in turn, may lead to excessive social media monitoring.
As a Millennial pursuing divorce, it’s important to work with a family lawyer who understands your unique needs. DiPietro Law Groupis an excellent resource, providing the personalized counsel and representation needed for a successful outcome in Maryland and Virginia.