Many couples in Arizona may be concerned about the various factors that increase the risk of a divorce. While one used to be having a baby before getting married, a recent study based upon data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that this is likely no longer the case.
The study looked at women who had had their first child between 1985 and 1995, and compared them to a group of women who had their first newborn between 1997 and 2010. It found that there was no greater risk of a divorce for mothers in the later time period who had their child before getting married when compared to those who waited until after tying the knot. This presented a stark comparison to the earlier period, in which couples who had a first child prior to marriage were 60 percent more likely to get a divorce than those couples who reversed the order.
This news should alleviate the concerns that some couples may have about the future of their relationship. These couples may instead focus on their current needs and make decisions about getting married in accordance with what makes sense for them. Couples who are already married, but who had children prior to tying the knot can also rest easy knowing that their decision does not necessarily have a negative impact on their marriage.
Regardless of the stage of the relationship in which their first child was born, parents will often find that they can no longer continue on with their marriage, for a variety of reasons. In addition to having to deal with property division, parents of young children will be confronted with the additional issues of child custody and support. Such a parent who is facing the end of a marriage may want to obtain the assistance of a family law attorney in negotiating a settlement agreement that addresses these matters.