Divorce is pretty common in a country like the United States. It’s estimated that about five couples get divorced in every 1,000 people. So for every 2,000 people, there are roughly ten divorces. In hindsight, many think that divorce is just something couples go through. However, divorce can bring a lot of problems to many U.S. citizens. Here are some of them.
Financial Difficulties
The average cost of divorce is around $12,900. That’s about six months’ worth of rent for some people. Divorce can also cause a drop in income for both parties and the division and distribution of assets. This can lead to financial difficulties for both parties, extending even further to their children and other family members.
Emotional Trauma
Divorce is often stressful and emotionally taxing for both parties involved and their children and other family members. It can cause sadness, guilt, anger, and even depression. These emotions can also lead to physical consequences such as sleeping problems and decreased immune function.
Children’s Well-Being
Children often bear the brunt of divorce. They may feel a sense of loss or confusion and may experience behavioral issues. Children of divorce are also more likely to have difficulties in their relationships and marriages later on in life.
Decreased Quality of Life
Divorce can negatively affect the overall quality of life, including decreased physical and mental health, lower levels of happiness and satisfaction, and increased social isolation. It can also lead to problems with future relationships and a reduced likelihood of marriage.
Thankfully, the government can play a role in reducing divorces in the United States by implementing policies that strengthen marriages and families. There are several ways to do this, but here are five of the most effective:
Provide Incentives
Incentives are a great way to bring married couples together. Here are two great incentives for them:
Tax Breaks
The government could offer tax breaks or other financial incentives for couples who choose to get married and remain married. This would encourage more couples to make a lifelong commitment to each other, which would, in turn, lead to fewer divorces.
Government Loan Discounts
The government could offer discounted rates for married couples, such as mortgages or business loans. This would motivate teams to stay together and work towards shared goals and dreams.
However, incentives aren’t enough to sustain a healthy relationship. Pre-marital counseling should also be given to couples before and during their marriage.
Pre-marital Counseling
Couples who receive pre-marital counseling are less likely to divorce than those who do not receive counseling. Therefore, the government could require all couples who wish to marry to undergo pre-marital counseling. This would help ensure that couples understand what they are getting into and help them be better prepared for marriage.
However, it’s also good for couples to access the laws behind divorce. The more they have an idea about divorce, the more that’ll make them think twice about getting married. People planning to get married should get access to experienced divorce lawyers beforehand. Doing this can open their eyes to the c
onsequences they’ll face if they ever decide to get a divorce. The same professionals can also help those who are about to get divorced and help them fix it.
Invest in Programs
The government could invest in programs that provide education on how to have a successful marriage, resolve conflict, and parent effectively. These programs would help couples and families learn how to navigate the challenges of marriage and family life, leading to stronger marriages and fewer divorces. Here are some great programs that can help strengthen families:
Marriage Education Programs
These programs teach couples communication and problem-solving skills to improve their relationship. They can also provide resources for couples experiencing difficulties in their marriage.
Parenting Education Programs
These programs teach parents how to communicate effectively with and discipline their children, leading to better parent-child relationships and healthier family dynamics.
Mental Health Programs
Divorce can often result from underlying mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. The government could increase access to mental health services for individuals and couples, helping them address and manage any psychological problems that may be causing strain in their marriage.
Support Businesses
The government could give tax breaks or other financial incentives to businesses that promote healthy marriages and families. This would include companies that sell products or services that help couples stay connected or businesses that provide resources for families struggling with marital or parenting issues. By supporting these businesses, the government would be helping to promote healthy marriages and families, ultimately leading to fewer divorces.
Divorce is a significant problem in the United States, with many marriages ending in divorce. The government can play a role in reducing the number of divorces by implementing policies that strengthen marriages and families. What do you think is the best way for the government to reduce divorces? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
