Why Are Second and Subsequent Marriages at a Higher Risk For Divorce?

 Posted on January 20, 2020 in Divorce Rate

We have all heard the common statistics that approximately half of all marriages end in divorce. While the divorce rate for first marriages lingers somewhere between 40 and 50 percent, the divorce rate for second or third marriages is much higher. Studies have shown that second marriages have an estimated 67 percent divorce rate, while third marriages are even higher, with an estimated 73 percent of these unions ending in divorce. Many people often wonder why the divorce rate increases with the number of marriages, since most would think people would have learned from the mistakes that led to their first divorce. Below are a few issues that experts have pinned down as being possible reasons why more marriages do not equal more success:

People Rush Into Marriages

One speculation as to why second and third marriages do not last very long is because people have a tendency to get married more quickly when they are divorced. After going through a divorce for the first time, there is a rebound period that people typically go through. This is a good opportunity to spend some time on their own, although many people choose to date during this period. Marriages during this time are less likely to succeed, unless a couple was together for two years or longer before they decide to wed again.

Lessons Were Not Actually Learned

Usually, when people fail to successfully complete something the first time, they use what they learned to try things a little differently in the future. You would think that this same principle applies to marriage, but that is not always the case. Another reason why second and subsequent marriages do not typically last is because the people involved often do not change their behavior or mindset from the first time around. There are lessons to be learned in anything, but if the partners are not willing to compromise or engage in a little introspection, a second or third marriage will most likely fail.

Finances Are Often More Complicated

One of the biggest reasons couples fight and get divorced is because of finances. Generally, second and third marriages involve older people who have more monetary assets than they did when they first got married. In addition to that, couples may also have prior financial commitments or obligations from previous marriages, such as child support or spousal maintenance. When finances are more complex, this can create tension during the marriage, which can eventually lead to divorce if the couple is not open and honest with each other. Drafting a prenuptial agreement can be one of the best ways to ensure you come out of the marriage financially secure if you and your spouse split up.

Contact a Batavia Divorce Attorney

It is only human nature to crave connection and comfort with another person. If you have been divorced previously, and you are thinking about remarrying, you should do everything you can to protect yourself. If you are considering a second or third divorce, it is important to know your rights. At the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., we understand how stressful a divorce can be, which is why we aim to make the process as simple as possible. Call our knowledgeable and dedicated Kane County prenuptial agreement lawyers today at 630-409-8184 to set up a consultation.

Sources:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-intelligent-divorce/201202/the-high-failure-rate-second-and-third-marriages

https://www.liveabout.com/reasons-second-and-third-marriages-fail-3974052

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/second-marriages-are-more-likely-to-end-in-divorce-heres-why_n_58b88e38e4b0b99894162a07