Should Divorce Laws be Made More Rigid?

Some people argue that since the divorce laws have been made easier and more relaxed over the past few decades, the divorce rates have shot up significantly. So, how much are the liberal laws to be blamed for the increasing divorce rates?

Have the Liberal Divorce Laws Led to Current High Divorce Rates?

A few decades ago, if a couple wanted a divorce, they would think twice or maybe much more before applying for a divorce because the divorce laws were very tough. In addition, since the laws mostly favoured men, not many women initiated a divorce. However, not only have the divorce laws been made simpler, they are actually a perfect aid for women seeking huge amounts of money in alimony. Simpler divorce laws are contributing significantly to the ever-increasing divorce rate.

Objective behind Relaxing Divorce Laws

The objective behind relaxing the divorce laws was to make it easier for people who are trapped in abusive or bad marriages to get out of their marriage without feeling more hurt and pain. Therefore, the attempt was to reduce the number of unhappy marriages. However, with the easier divorce laws, the number of unhappy marriages has actually increased significantly.

Easy Come Easy Go

Easier divorce laws are seen as an easy way out of an unhappy marriage. Therefore, rather than working on the marriage and marital issues, which may take a longer time, people opt out of the marriage instead. The number of people getting married more than thrice in their lifetime has increased significantly. Yet, the number of people who feel that they are in happy marriages has decreased significantly.

Marriage involves a lot of hard work and effort. An easy divorce law gives an easy way out. Therefore, the law, instead of teaching the couples to face their problems and resolve their issues, is teaching them to run away from their problems. While it is true that not all marriages can survive, (especially if it is an abusive marriage) most marital problems can be resolved. A compromise can usually be arrived at with proper communication and understanding.

Relaxed Divorced Laws are Sending a Wrong Message

Experts believe that our society uses legal procedures and laws to convey the values of the society at present and in future. Therefore, if the legal procedures revolving around divorce are relaxed, what kind of a message are we sending to our present and next generations? Are we implying that it is ok to dissolve a marriage easily? Is the society implying that marriage is a commitment that can be done away with easily? More importantly, is this how we want our children to perceive marriages?

It is very easy for people to perceive that divorce is the way out when a marriage gets rough. Since the laws are easy, even when people make hasty decisions regarding divorce, they usually get divorced before they realise they made a mistake. Our legal system is supposed to send across a message to the society about the importance of certain societal values.

Marriage is about commitment, patience, concern, and perseverance. If a marriage is ten years old, it does not mean that the marriage will be devoid of any problems. Couples face tough situations in their relationships and lives all the time. Therefore, a marriage is bound to go through a series of highs and lows throughout the lifetime of a couple.

Widespread Impact of Divorce

Divorce impacts the couple, the children, as well as the extended family. Therefore, when there is a huge circle of people affected by an outcome, the decision to divorce should be made tougher and not simpler. In most cases, the child suffers mentally as well as physically because he or she gets deprived of the love of one of the parents. Couples may give their marriage another chance if the legal system supports and encourages parents to make their marriage work even when the marriage is going through a rough patch.

Relaxed Divorce Laws Make Divorce a Less Risky Option

Will you think twice before spending your money on a regular grocery items? On the contrary, how many times will you think before investing hundreds of dollars in a volatile stock market?

As humans, we have a tendency to not think much about the situations when there is little risk involved. Therefore, while you may not use much of your brains spending on your regular grocery items, you will definitely engage in proper thought process before investing in a highly unpredictable stock market. Similarly, since the divorce laws are so relaxed, people do not associate any risk associated with it. The concept of low-risk-low-return will hold true when you end a marriage that maybe deserved a second chance.

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