Divorce rates in Louisiana have increased, according to one study, situating the state as one of 5 with the highest divorce rates. A variety of reasons might have contributed to the increase.
Louisiana’s spot in the top 5
According to the study, Louisiana sits at the number 4 spot for highest divorce rates in the country, with a rate of 15.5%. This is a significant increase over the past few years, even as the divorce rate around the country has decreased or remained steady for many years. Inversely, the rate of marriage in Louisiana has decreased as divorces increase.
Reasons for divorce
Many reasons underlie the state of divorce in Louisiana. Some of the reasons include:
- High poverty rates
- Lower median incomes
- Conflicts over finances
- Issue of intimacy between spouses
- Differences in childrearing
- Underlying conflicts developed after spending too much time together
Other factors that might affect the divorce rate
Cultural attitudes toward marriage and divorce can also play a role, with the rates differing between groups and from state to state. Louisiana is a state that does not recognize common-law relationships, and this might also impact why people get married and divorced. Additionally, the changing attitudes about the need to have a partner might contribute to the decision to leave a struggling marriage, as some younger adults have expressed that they do not believe that it is necessary to get married. Additionally, if more people prefer to live together without getting married, even if that relationship ends, the rate of divorce in their area will not be affected. The age and education level of residents and even the time of year when data is requested might play a role in the perception of the divorce rate for the state.