As divorce lawyers, we are often asked about the divorce rate. The divorce rate for any specific geographic location is calculated by simply dividing the number of divorces by the number of marriages during a certain period of time. Florida’s Bureau of Vital Statistics tracks, among other things, the number of marriages and divorces that occur in our state. In 2016, for example, there were 167,416 marriages performed in Florida (3,077 here in Collier County); and there were 79,677 dissolutions of marriage (1,226 here in Collier County). This results in a divorce rate of 47.6% statewide (39.8% in Collier). While the annual 2017 figures have not yet been released, through September 2017 those rates are 47.3% and 43.8%, respectively.
Skewing the data is the fact that only Florida residents can get divorced in Florida, while anyone can get married in Florida. Because Florida is a destination for weddings of non-residents, many couples may marry here and then return to their home state, where they may or may not ever divorce. Further, Floridians may marry in another state then divorce in Florida, and Florida divorces may involve couples that married in another state. Suffice it to say, due to these numerous variations, it is impossible to say exactly how many marriages end in divorce, but using the figure above is the best we can do for now. The divorce rate among all marriages is in the range of 45-50%.
The point of this statistic is to let you know that if you are considering divorce, you are not alone. Even if you do not have many divorced friends in your social circle, there are many out there who can offer you support. Knowing when or if you should start the divorce process can be very stressful and a very difficult decision. There are some specific circumstances in which this decision can be very simple, such as cases of infidelity or domestic violence, or variations of deceit between spouses. But for the majority of divorcing couples, it is not such a black-and-white decision. If you find yourself in this place, don’t go it alone. Reach out for the support of those that are in the best position to help you through this difficult decision (this may not include friends or family). Seeking advice from counselors, whether professional therapists or church counselors, is always a good idea.
Your lawyer is there to advise you on your legal rights, to make sure you are informed of your rights, and to help you exercise those rights if you wish. Your lawyer is not trained to help you determine whether it is time to end your marriage. But knowing your rights may be an important consideration. It is easy to fear the unknown, and consulting with a family law attorney before you have made your decision may help you understand what is in store if you decide to divorce. Knowing what rights you have and what your financial picture may look like after a divorce may be a very important factor in determining if and when you divorce.
Finding the right confidant or advisor to guide you through the process is very important and is not a step that should be skipped. This applies to emotional advice as well as legal advice.
DALE KLAUS and REUBEN DOUPÉ are Family Law and Divorce Attorneys with Coleman, Hazzard, Taylor, Klaus, Doupé & Diaz, PA. Visit www.CHTlegal.com or call 239-298-5200.