Old attitudes about marriage and divorce led many people from previous generations to remain in relationships even when they were no longer happy in them. Strict laws and religious tenets also contributed to the feeling that ending a marriage represented some sort of failing. Times have changed though, and spouses, particularly millennials and members of Gen Z, are more inclined to see divorce as an opportunity to achieve a more satisfying life.
To borrow a phrase from the advertising industry, more younger Americans are looking at divorce as a chance to “rebrand” themselves. Rather than a process filled with stigma and drama, these individuals approach marriage dissolution as a structured shift in which spouses change from life partners to respectful ex-partners. Now, with a practical attitude and support from an experienced attorney, husbands and wives of any age can protect their interests while avoiding reputational damage and emotional torment.
One reason for the change is that younger couples often begin marriage on similar financial footing. That parity can make an uncontested or low-conflict divorce more feasible, especially for childless couples. With fewer lifestyle disparities to reconcile, dividing property can be more straightforward. Financial issues, including alimony determinations, might also be simpler because younger prospective spouses are negotiating prenuptial agreements at a higher rate than previous generations.
Social media is also cited as a reason for the more practical modern view of divorce. People now put so much of their personal lives online, it is easy for a dissatisfied husband or wife to see that something better might be possible on their own, or with a new partner. It is also true that millennials, now aged between 29 and 44, and Gen Z members younger than them, grew up in a time when divorce was commonplace rather than a community scandal.
Part of the evolving perspective on divorce includes the almost universal desire to minimize the time, expense and acrimony associated with the marriage dissolution process. At Bryan L. Salamone & Associates, P.C., we offer The Smarter Divorce, which gives clients the chance to reach a favorable resolution without going to court. By working personally with you, we’ll develop a strategy based on your particular situation and objectives. Please call 631-388-6009 or contact us online for an appointment.