The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that overall the divorce rate in the U.S. saw a decline between 2009 and 2019. However, numbers still vary from state to state. California has one of the nation’s highest divorce rates, 6.5% in 2020 according to U.S. News & World Report.
Projections show that the number of couples seeking to break their unions in the state may see a significant rise in the near future. Multiple factors may play a role in causing this to happen.
Financial strain
Both 2020 and, so far, 2021, have been years of financial strain and loss for many households. Reduced incomes, lost jobs, business shutdowns and more rocked the economy in California. Business Insider lists money as the leading cause of fights among couples and one of the top reasons for divorce. Debt, bills and worries about being homeless and not having enough are major stressors with the potential to incite conflict, especially if one or both parties begin to blame the other for the situation.
Summer family time
With the approach of the summer months, it may seem like the perfect time for husbands and wives to fit some quality together time into their schedules and strengthen their bonds. The reality is, this period usually ends in many broken relationships. Business Insider found that August brings with it a peak in divorce rates. The increased amount of family time meant to reinforce ties often highlights existing fractures in marriages instead. The season is also the choice of many parents to create final lasting memories before breaking it off.
Many circumstances may come together to lead to a divorce. A difficult year leading into another hard one exposed underlying problems and introduced new ones to many households, leading to a possible divorce spike.
