Millennials’ Perspective on Marriage and Divorce

Abear Law Offices

Marriage has always been considered a rite of passage for many people. However, over the past 15 years, marriage rates have drastically decreased.

In Illinois, 49 percent of the whole population is married, with a breakdown of 50 percent of Illinois males being married and 47 percent of females.

Marriage Statistics in 2002

In 2002, roughly 58 percent of women, ages 15 to 44, were married, and about 51 percent of men, ages 15 to 44, were married.

  • Almost 38 percent of women and 35 percent of men had been married for the first time.
  • About 8 percent of women and 7 percent of men had been married at least twice.

Marriage Statistics from 2006 to 2010

From the years 2006 to 2010, the marriage rates had slightly decreased for both men and women. Fifty-three percent of women, ages 15 to 44, were married during this time, and 45 percent of men, ages 15 to 44, decided to tie the knot.

  • 36 percent of women and 33 percent of men had married for the first time.
  • Five percent of women and nearly 5 percent of men had married for the second time or more.

Marriage Statistics from 2011 to 2015

Between the years 2011 and 2015, the marriage rates had decreased even more. During this time, almost 50 percent of women, ages 15 to 44, and 44 percent of men, ages 15 to 44, were married.

  • Only 32 percent of women and 32 percent of men had their first marriage.
  • Six percent of women and 4 percent of men had their second marriage or more.

Cohabitation and its Influence on the Decrease in Marriage

There is no doubt that cohabitation rates are on the rise, and marriage rates are falling. Several factors for delaying marriage or not getting married at all include but are not limited to the following:

  • Fear of possible divorce;
  • Preferred interest in growing career opportunities and advancements;
  • Disinterest in paying so much for a costly wedding; and
  • Concerns with the ability to maintain a successful marriage.

In 2002, only 9 percent of women, ages 15 to 44, and 9 percent of men, ages 15 to 44, were living with a significant other. From 2006 to 2010, 11 percent of women and 12 percent of men were cohabiting. From 2011 to 2015, nearly 15 percent of women and 13 percent of men decided to not get married and live with a significant other.

The statistics for 2016 and 2017 have not been shown yet.

Contact Your Wheaton Family Law and Divorce Attorney

Getting married is supposed to be a very exciting milestone in someone’s life. Being able to say that you have worked hard to maintain a healthy relationship with your spouse is something of which to be proud. At Abear Law Offices, we understand that you want to have a positive marriage experience. Therefore, if you are planning to get married, and you have any questions or legal concerns, please call a compassionate Wheaton family law attorney at 630-904-3033 to schedule your free initial consultation.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nsfg/key_statistics/m.htm#marriageprobability

https://censusreporter.org/profiles/04000US17-illinois/

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/02/the-marriage-problem-why-many-are-choosing-cohabitation-instead/252505/