According to a number of different studies, this Valentine’s Day, fewer Americans are in steady relationships. These results of these studies were summarized by a major news outlet.
For those who dream of growing old together in wedlock, the bad news is that the marriage rate continues to fall. The good news is that fewer marriages also means fewer divorces. The divorce rate has continued to fall over the last 20 years. In 2000, the divorce rate was 4 per 1,000 people, while in 2019, that number had fallen to 2.7 per 1,000.
Young people, who also marry less, have contributed to this falling divorce rate. Apparently, when they do marry, people of the younger generation either are more careful in choosing their partners or are just less willing to walk away.
Interestingly, both marriage and long term relationships are also getting less popular. In 2019, 62% of those between 25 and 54 either were married and living together or living together while remaining unmarried. Of this 62%, 53% were married and 9% cohabited.
In 1990, the numbers were 67% of people living together while and 4% unmarried but cohabiting. The number of males choosing not to live with a partner has increased more than the number of females choosing to remain single.
Younger people also tend to be less likely to get into a steady relationship at all. Since after 2010, more younger people, over 25% each year, reported not having a romantic partner. In 2019, the number was 30%
People will still need family law services
Whether these trends will continue is not clear, but the younger generation seems a bit more skeptical about marriage and even long-term relationships.
If this trend continues, what it will mean for divorce and family law in Florida and other places is not clear.
For now, though people in the Orlando area are still getting married and still divorce. Unmarried couples also still have children together and may even require legal assistance when dividing their property.
Even with family trends changing, many couples will still require legal assistance.