Recent 2008 divorce statistics released by the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the national average divorce rate is 10.7 percent. In that same year, Tennessee's divorce rate was 12.5 percent. Further, data from the CDC's (Center for Disease Control) report, broken down by year show that in Tennessee:
- In 2006 there were 28,066 divorces
- In 2007 there were 26,501 divorces
- In 2008 there were 26,390 divorces
- In addition to having one of the highest divorce rates in the country,
Tennessee is also among the poorest states—which may be a contributing factor to the state's divorce rate.
Statistics for common causes of divorce
Although many divorces are filed on no-fault grounds, at fault divorces often cite infidelity and domestic abuse as grounds. Following are statistics relative to each of these grounds for divorce:
- Infidelity
- Spouses who admit to cheating—41 percent
- Spouses who would cheat if they would not get caught—8 percent
- Husbands who admit to cheating—5 percent
- Wives who admit to cheating—4.5 percent
- Cheating men who get caught—80 percent
- Marriages that stay together after infidelity—64 percent
Domestic abuse
- 25 percent of American women experience domestic violence in their lifetimes
Women under 30 are at the greatest risk of nonfatal partner abuse
Separated/divorced males and females are at a greater risk of nonfatal partner violence. - Lower income people (below $25K) have a 3-times greater risk of partner violence
In 2000, intimate partner homicides accounted for 30% of murdered women and 5% of murdered men - Most intimate partner homicides occur between spouses
- A national survey showed that 50% of spousal abusers also frequently abused their children
- Studies suggest that 3.3 to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually
Legal advice on divorce
The United States leads the world in divorce—perhaps because we are one of the most sophisticated nations or perhaps because we make divorce easier than other cultures. While divorce may be necessary in some circumstances, there are alternatives to consider, including:
- Legal separation
- Mediation
- Marriage counseling
- Family therapy
If you live in the Memphis, Tennessee area, consulting with a qualified Memphis divorce attorney can help you sort out the best approach for your situation.