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divorce” 5 though the average length of a first marriage is about eight years. 7 The average length of time for all marriages is about 20 years. 8 According to the US Census Bureau, this has remained the same for the last 50 years. Marital History A person’s marital history describes whether and how many times they have been married or divorced. Having previous relationships brings stressors into current relationships due to commitments that remain from the first marriage, like children, child support payments, and spousal support payments. 5 The US Census Bureau provided the following statistics about marital history: • In 68% of all currently married couples, both partners were in their first marriage. • In approximately 9% of marriages, both partners were in their second marriage. • In only 1% of marriages, both spouses were married three or more times. 5 Couples in their first marriage might expect a 40% possibility of a divorce, while “60% of all second marriages end in divorce, Divorce results from a combination of events and situations that occur over time and build up until one or both people in the marriage no longer feel that they can remain in the relationship. Some reasons for divorce are more obvious and impactful than others. Five of the most often cited causes for divorce are addiction (35%), abuse (40-80%), infidelity (55%), poor financial management and socioeconomic status (45%), and being unprepared for marriage (78%). Other factors are less obvious but still contribute to the instability in marriage. 2 and 73% of third marriages end in divorce.” 7 Factors that Influence Divorce

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Chapter 1: Divorce Today