High divorce rate census

Be careful accepting high divorce rate census figures. Two factors greatly reduce the rate: age at the time of marriage and duration. As the age of women increases at the time of marriage, the rate of success also increases up to the age of 25. Likewise, as each year of success is accumulated over the first 7 years, the likelihood of divorce decreases. Women who wait until age 25 and have been married more than 7 seven years have the lowest rate of dissolution -- 24% -- according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control.

Anyone confronting separation and potential termination of a marriage should be aware of applicable family laws. The best source of current legal information is through local family law lawyers. The majority of family law lawyers practicing today offer free initial consultations. If you need assistance finding a lawyer, state bar associations generally provide free lawyer referral programs. Be aware that courts and court personnel are generally prohibited to offer potential parties what may be deemed as legal advice.

Free legal representation may also be available through legal foundations and volunteer lawyer programs. In general, legal foundations operate on a not-for-profit basis and services provided are ordinarily limited to low income families. Family law lawyers also frequently provide free legal services (pro bono) through state bar associations. Both types of resources place further restrictions on assistance provided, such as length of time separated, length of state residency, and county of residence. To locate free resources in your area call your state or local bar association.