There is an incredible amount of information on the internet covering a wide array of topics. One topic in which there is a plethora of information is divorce, but so much of it is conflicting, misleading or no longer true, so it's hard to know what to believe.
Some of the so-called "facts" on this topic cause a considerable amount of confusion, so it is time to set the record straight on at least some of them.
Separating fact from fiction
Below are some facts about divorce that you may not have known, or at least thought you knew:
- At one time, the divorce rate was around 50%, but even though we continue to see that statistic, it's no longer true. In reality, the percentage is closer to 39%.
- However, the information regarding gray divorces is true -- since 1990, the number of couples over the age of 50 who divorce has doubled.
- Far more people now believe that divorce is better than staying in an unhappy marriage.
- Parents who stay in an unhappy marriage for the sake of the children tend to have children who divorce.
- More women who are custodial parents receive child support for their children.
- Less than half of all parents receiving child support actually receive the amount ordered from the other parent.
Having the above information may help clear up some of the misinformation out there about divorce. Moreover, knowing certain facts may help you during the planning stages of your divorce. For instance, if you know that less than half of parents owing child support are actually making their full payments, then you can make sure to shore up your child support provisions in your agreement in order to give you better and faster access to recourse.
Knowing that your children will more than likely be better off if you divorce instead of remaining married for their sake may help you make one of the most difficult decisions you may ever need to make. You can probably imagine how relieved you will be not to continue fighting with your future former spouse every day. Just imagine how much better your children will feel not having to listen to it. Some relationships simply don't work out, and there is nothing wrong with admitting that and making a course correction to your life.