The odds that a couple will get divorced depend on many different factors. And it is certainly true that looking at trends doesn’t mean that those statistical probabilities apply to every single marriage. But it can also be helpful to consider how various details can play a role in a relationship and influence the odds of divorce.
In this light, one thing to consider is the age of the couple when they get married. According to some studies, divorce odds are lowest when people are right around 32 years old. For every year beyond this, their divorce odds go up by 5%. For every year before they turn 32, the divorce odds go up by 11%.
Why does this happen?
One potential reason why there’s such a clear trend is just that couples who get married young tend to drift apart over time. They may grow and change, have new experiences or decide they want something else out of life. If a couple gets married at 21, they may feel like very different people by the time they turn 32.
It’s also important to consider realistic situations, such as a lack of financial stability. Some couples are very young and get married right out of high school. But this could create a marriage that is less likely to stand the test of time just because of the extreme financial stress they’re going to face if they’re trying to buy a home, start a career and make ends meet on their own—even though they’ve only just begun working. A couple at 32, on the other hand, likely has more savings and is more established in their careers, so they’re a bit more stable financially, and their marriage will experience less stress.
Of course, divorce can be complicated at any age. Those who are going through it need to carefully look into all of the legal options at their disposal.
