We Cannot Afford the “Costs” of Divorce
If ever anyone needed an argument to prove why policy supporting marriage and family is necessary, $3 billion in Texas would be that argument. Not to mention the emotional and psychological harms to children and the struggle of single parents (mostly mothers). THIS recent report didn’t even splurge upon the humanitarian concerns that should be a consideration in promoting parental and spousal responsibility, because the economics alone are impacting enough to strike a chord. TAKE A LOOK at the report to see how Texas tax burden is faring in the ranks, but take hope! Texas is the only state mentioned that’s taken positive measures—like $15 million from the Texas Assistance to Needy Families—to protect marriage. This could be the most cost-effective form of welfare yet.
CHECK OUT OneNewsNow article and audio on fragmentation taxation.
CLICK HERE to read Free Market's Press Release on April 15, 2008.
1. Divorce can cost U.S. taxpayers more than $30 billion a year in direct and indirect costs.
-Increased costs in such things as food stamps, public housing, juvenile delinquency, bankruptcies, according to a 2008 study. 7
2. Divorce can cost Texas taxpayers $2 billion a year in direct and indirect costs.
-According to a 2003 study, see examples in point (1) above. 7
-9.3% state and local tax burden, and over $5.5 million in foregone tax revenue.
3. Since unilateral no-fault divorce was introduced, the divorce rate has increased 380%.
4. Divorced persons tend to have more economic hardship, higher levels of poverty, lower levels of psychological well-being, less happiness, more health problems, and a greater risk of mortality.3
5. Divorce Can Be Financially Devastating.4
-Divorced persons who never remarry face a 73% decrease in their wealth for their lifetime.
6. Divorce Increases Child Poverty.5
-A majority of children growing up outside of married families have experienced “at least one year of dire poverty.”
-Significant costs results for welfare and health programs.
7. Children growing up in fatherless homes are 20 times more likely to end up in prison, 9 times more likely to drop out of school, 10 times more likely to abuse chemical substances, and 32 times more likely to run away.
8. Divorced and separated people experienced relationship violence at three times the rate of never married people. Married and widowed people reported the lowest rates of victimization (Rennison & Welchans, 2000). Women who are divorced or separated report being battered 14 times more often than those still living with their abusers (Berry, 1998).6
ONE SOLUTION: Increase the Waiting Periods to Allow For More Reconciliation
- States with longer waiting periods for divorce (more than 90 days) have a 25% lower
divorce rate than states with shorter waiting periods.
In one study 86% of unhappily married couples report happier marriages (5) years later.7
12 states now have a waiting period of one year or more.
Examples: New York and New Jersey
In the last 3 years, numerous states have introduced legislation to make divorce more difficult to get by extending waiting periods.
Click here for list of Divorce Reform Endnotes
7 The Taxpayer Costs of Divorce and Unwed Childbearing, Institute for American Values and Georgia Family Council: 2008.
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