A recent study conducted by a University of Maryland sociology professor, using data from the United States Census Bureau, found that divorce rates have been dropping steadily since 2008. In fact, in the eight-year period between 2008 and 2016, divorce rates have dropped an incredible 18%, nationwide. Yet, in all reality, the declining divorce rate has more to do with a smaller married population than an increase in healthier marriages. It is important to remember that removing yourself from an unhealthy marriage is almost always the best option for you and your family.

Millennials Are Not Marrying Young

Today’s young adult population has seemingly learned from the mistakes of their elders. Millennials are overwhelmingly electing to wait to get married until they are older, a decision that is directly leading to a declining divorce rate nationwide. In past generations, like the “Baby Boomers”, many American couples would marry at a  young age, have children, get divorced, and remarry. Millennials, it seems, are less inclined to marry before they are absolutely ready to do so.

According to the study mentioned above, the declining divorce rate is less about healthier marriages and more about couples from Generation X, as well as millennial couples, refusing to settle into marriages prematurely. The newest generation of young adults have proven to be more inclined to ensure that they are financially comfortable, finished with their academic careers, and firmly entrenched in a stable career path before tying the knot.

Thousands of American couples divorce each year - but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Divorces can offer disgruntled spouses a new opportunity to find love and excitement in their lives. Yet for parents, getting a divorce can come with major complications. Separating parents are posed with hard-hitting questions like: Where will our children live? Will I still get to see my kids? How will this impact our children’s development?

In many cases, the easiest solution to all these questions comes in the form of a joint-custody parenting agreement. A joint-custody parenting agreement is defined as a court order in which parenting responsibility is given to both parties, and both parents are named custodial parents. If you believe that a divorce is the best option for you and your family, it may be time to contact a knowledgeable team of divorce lawyers.

Simple Tips to Successful Joint-Custody Parenting

When signing off on a joint-custody parenting agreement, it is important to understand the necessary components to make the parenting dynamic a successful one.

When considering a divorce, children are often at the forefront of the discussion. Sadly, there are hundreds of couples who elect to stay in unhealthy relationships as a means of ensuring their children have a home with both spouses, but what happens when you disagree with the parenting tactics of your spouse? More importantly, what should you do if your spouse is parenting your children in an abusive manner?

Child abuse can cause irreparable harm to a child’s mental psyche and emotional development. If you believe your child is being abused by your spouse, it is time to contact law enforcement officials and seek out legal guidance.

Different Types of Abusive Parenting

While most people assume that child abuse can only come through the form of physical violence, abusive parenting is not limited to physical harm. Verbal abuse, such as belittling and violent yelling, can also result in childhood trauma.

Every single year, approximately 10 million Americans face some form of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse can come in the form of physical violence, emotional abuse, and sexual misconduct, but regardless of the form, the abused party needs to remove themselves from the situation. When speaking with a loved one or a friend that is in an abusive relationship, it is important to know what to say, and how to say it. Domestic abuse continues to be a tragically prominent issue here in the United States, as 1 in 7 American women have been abused by a partner. If you or a loved one is in the midst of an abusive relationship, contact law enforcement officials as soon as possible, and meet with a legal professional that can help you move away from the dangerous situation.

What To Say To a Domestic Abuse Victim

As a friend or a family member of a domestic abuse victim, you have a responsibility to help your loved one remove themselves from the situation. Knowing what to say through these difficult conversations can make all the difference in ensuring that your loved one can safely escape the dangerous relationship.

They Are Not Alone: In many abusive relationships, the victim believes that they are alone in this situation; that notion could not be further from the truth. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), approximately 33% of all American women have faced abuse in an intimate relationship. Knowing that they are not alone can give abuse victims the confidence to reach out to a trained professional and receive the help and guidance they need.

Every year, thousands of American couples choose to file for divorce. Divorce can be brought on for a multitude of reasons, but it does create complications in family dynamics. For couples with children, the decision to pursue a divorce can be incredibly difficult. Even more difficult is the conversation that parents must have with their children. If you are considering a divorce, involving your children in the divorce process can be critically important to their emotional development as well as their understanding of their new home life.

Why These Conversations Are Important

Approximately half of all American children will witness the separation of their parents. While divorce oftentimes represents a healthier growing environment in comparison to an unhealthy married household, parents contemplating divorce need to help their children understand why they are separating. Studies conducted have found that children who experience a divorce in the household are more likely to experience depression, decline academically, and struggle with substance abuse. Children who experience a divorce are more than twice as likely to drop out of high school. Even later in life, children of divorce are more likely to experience psychological challenges such as anxiety, loneliness, and insecurity. All that said, a divorce can save a child from experiencing an abusive or dysfunctional home life.

How To Talk To Your Child About Divorce

A divorce can be the best thing for a child’s long-term development if the parental unit no longer makes up a solid parenting foundation, yet it is vitally important to communicate with your child about your divorce. When you decide to inform your children on your decision to get a divorce, it is important to have a plan in place, have the conversation with your spouse, and give your child ample time to process the information.