Social distancing has been difficult for everyone, but according to geotagged data from Twitter, couples in Tennessee are really struggling. According to a News 12 report, the terms “breakup” and “divorce” were most popular in Tennessee followed by West Virginia and North Carolina. We know divorce is on the rise as a result of COVID-19, but what makes the south predisposed to breakup talk?
While the answers are not definitive, we can deduce a few things.
Income – Can be Top Cause of a Breakup
According to 2019 census information, though the south typically has the lowest cost of living, it is also recorded as one of the poorest regions in our nation. But why does this matter? Well, what state you live in does not determine how likely you are divorce, but perhaps there is some connection to the economic status of those living in these poorer regions.
According to 24/7 Wall St. data between 2015-2016 showed that states with lower median family incomes tend to have higher rates of divorce. That data showed that Tennessee had the 10th highest divorce rate in the nation. This also may have something to do with employment, as states with higher levels of unemployment also reported higher divorce rates.
This would make sense in a COVID-19 era as many Americans are facing unemployment and loss wages as a result of the pandemic.
Education
In a study by Pew Research Center, college-educated adults are more likely to be married than those who did not attend a post-high school institution. While no concrete evidence exists as to why those marriages are likely to last longer, we do know statistically that college-educated adults tend to marry later in life and are more financially secure.
Studies have shown there are educational differences amongst the states, from the quality of education available to economic status, etc. In some cases, the economics of the state and individual cities can have a large impact on educational opportunities and in turn, marriage rates.
Age
In Tennessee, the legal age of marriage is 17 with parental consent. However, many young people are not getting married early in life. In fact, the average age to get married is 28.3 for men and 26.6 for women.
Breaking up is hard to do. But you have rights in a divorce.
When it comes to breaking up during a global pandemic, things can be tense, and downright unbearable. But, if divorce or separation is on your radar, know that you deserve happiness. At MHPS, we will work with you during this trying time to evaluate your divorce petition and help you get a fresh start at life.
If you are considering a divorce and need legal advice, let us help. Contact MHPS today for more information.