There’s a higher chance that a couple will get divorced if one of them is in the military. This is just a career path that experiences high-divorce odds every year. That certainly doesn’t mean that a military marriage will inevitably end in divorce or anything of this nature. But it is a risk the couples need to be aware of when planning for the future.
Why is it that this career creates such high-divorce odds?
Many military couples get married at a young age
First off, many people enter the military at a very young age, and they may get married at a similar time. For all couples, getting married young means that divorce is more likely. For instance, studies have found that divorce odds are lowest for those who get married at 32 years old. Someone who gets married at 18 or 19, or even in their early 20s, is going to face higher divorce odds.
Extended separation
Additionally, being married to someone who is in the military can mean that a couple has to spend a lot of time apart. Someone can be deployed overseas for months. They could have to go to training in another part of the country. This can be very stressful for couples, especially when the person who is still at home is taking care of young children. They may feel that they are on their own, and want to seek a new partner who will be there for them in physically-present ways.
Rank matters
Interestingly, rank has actually been connected to the odds of divorce. Enlisted military members are much more likely to split up than officers. This could have to do with financial differences. Consider an officer who has two years of experience, making over $11,000 a month. At the same time, someone who is enlisted may only be making $3,000. Financial stress and instability often lead to divorce, even outside of the military.
What are your options?
A military divorce can be more complicated than a civilian divorce. If you’re going through this process, be sure that you know about all of the options at your disposal. Working with an experienced legal professional can help you to safeguard your interests as you move forward.
