Remarriage on the Rise

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Today, U.S. News featured an article entitled, “Remarriage on the Rise in the U.S.,” which focused on the rising trend of remarriage in our country. According to statistics from a report by the Pew Research Center, in 2013, 40% of new marriages included at least one partner who had been married before. In 2013, nearly 42 million adult Americans had been married more than once, compared to 22 million in 1980 and 14 million in 1960.

According to the Pew Research Center, the top reason as to why more Americans are choosing to remarry is economic stability. In the words of a Pew senior researcher, “pooling resources is economically efficient… if you remarry, you tend to be better off financially than if you’re divorced.” Statistics show that only 7% of remarried adults are living in poverty, compared to 19% of divorced adults. Additionally, homeownership is higher for remarried couples, occurring at a rate of 79% for remarried adults, compared to 58% for divorcees.

Other reasons credited for the rise of remarriage include growing divorce rates and increasing life expectancy. Statistics show that in 2013, 50% of marriages ended in divorce, compared to 22% in 1960. With the increase in divorce rates, there are more adults available to tie the knot again.

In terms of life expectancy, Americans are living longer and healthier lives, meaning there are more divorcees, widows and widowers looking to remarry and more time to make and break unions. According to statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, life expectancy has grown to 78.8 years in 2012, compared to 73.7 in 1980 and 69.7 in 1960. In addition, it is mostly older Americans who are choosing to remarry. Census statistics show 50% of seniors remarry, up from 34% in 1960.

While it is becoming more common to remarry, remarriage after a divorce or separation can be complicated. Remarriage after a divorce can affect alimony/maintenance payments, child support and custody, and even inheritance provisions. In addition, you may want to think about having a prenuptial agreement the second time around. If you are considering remarrying, and would like to discuss the legal effects remarriage may have, please contact the Law Offices of Jay D. Raxenberg to speak with an experienced and respected Long Island Divorce Attorney. Call (516) 491-0565 or toll free at (888) 543-4867.