Military Divorce Rate No Longer On The Rise

Number of Divorces Plateaus Amongst Military Families

Experts say the rate of divorce in the military, which had been steadily rising for the past decade, remained roughly the same in 2010, with authorities crediting efforts by the administration to provide counseling for the good news.

Despite the media attention and adulation given to couples reunited after a spouse returns home from a tour of duty, the truth is that the sudden change in living situation can be difficult. Many couples spend months or years apart, adjusting to the realities of a long distance relationship, eventually becoming so used to living separate lives that to be reunited is a struggle.

Local media outlets report on the romantic return of the soldier to a spouse, capturing the heady swell of emotion a newly reunited couple feels and turning them into local celebrities. When, inevitably, reality soon sets in, the couple can feel betrayed and disappointed.

Military Programs May Be Responsible For Stemming Tide

One marriage counselor has said this might be a major factor in the rising rate of divorces.

"They come in with such high expectations of what should be happening, the cameras the lights the glitter all when they come in is wonderful," he comments, "but when they get back home and all that's gone away, the expectation is that they should be able to come back in and assume the role they had before."

According to a report released by the Department of Defense, the divorce rate amongst military families was a mere 2.6 percent in 2001. This number rose over the next decade, until eventually 3 percent of male soldiers and 7.8 percent of female soldiers were divorced in 2010.

The report noted, however, that this was roughly the same as the previous year, meaning the divorce rate seemed to level off. Authorities speculate that new programs providing relationship counseling have been effective in stopping the rise. Early numbers indicate that a couple undergoing relationship therapy is 33 percent less likely to divorce than one without the same help.

Seek a Tampa Divorce Attorney Today

If you are a member of the armed forces and are considering a separation or divorce, it is vital that you speak to a trained Tampa divorce lawyer with experience handling  military divorce cases. At Givens Divorce Law Group, we understand the unique circumstances surrounding military divorce and strive to represent your interests with compassion and a commitment to excellence.

Please, contact a Tampa military divorce attorney today to learn more!