It’s no secret that people aren’t getting divorced as much as they used to, which isn’t necessarily as good a thing as it might seem.
Those Darned Youths
A few factors are being considered the main reasons for the falling numbers, one of the main ones being that younger generations are getting married later or not at all. Where it was previously considered a social necessity to find a spouse in early adulthood, it is now considered an achievement and a personal decision whether or not marriage is “right for you.”
This should not be mistaken for a criticism of a generation of people who are carefully thinking over their futures and personal lives. A reduced divorce rate due to fewer unhappy marriages should be considered an achievement for everyone. The problem arises when people aren’t getting married (or divorced) due to the economy.
Financial Dependencies
Divorce can be incredibly expensive, making it out of reach for many couples. The average divorce in Maryland costs about $14,000, which is lower than the national average of $15,000, but still more than most people can afford in out of pocket expenses. Of course, this number varies depending on factors such as both parties’ personal incomes, whether or not young children are relevant, and the lawyers and associated fees involved.
The baseline price for divorce is generally the state’s filing fee, which ranges from $70-$450 in Wyoming and California, respectively. Filing fees in Maryland generally fall in the middle at about $215.
These costs can force unhappy couples to remain married for financial reasons, which should never be the case. Divorce, just like marriage, should be accessible to everyone.
Why Are People Still Getting Divorced?
Grounds for divorce change from state to state, as do trends, and Maryland sticks to its guns by providing a wide array of grounds for with-fault divorces. Adultery is one of the more common grounds seen both nationwide and in Maryland.
The state of Maryland has 5 grounds for a with-fault divorce, all of them with their own time frames. Just because they are time-consuming does not mean it isn’t worth it to get a divorce to escape an unhealthy marriage, it just means that you need some top quality guidance while going through the process.
Here at Hershon Legal, we believe that everyone should have the option to get divorced. That’s why we are proud to represent you and will make sure you get the support you need to get back on your feet. Contact us today for a consultation.
