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A new study by the Institute of Family Studies (through the American Family Survey) suggests that there is quite a difference between liberals and conservatives, when it comes to marriage.

For example, 62% of conservatives are married, as compared with 39% of liberals. The study even controlled for age and other factors, and yet the percentages remained the same.

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Furthermore, more than half of conservatives say they are completely satisfied with their family life, compared with about 4 in 10 of liberals or moderates.

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Conservatives appear to be more concerned about the health of marriages in the United States. Per the study, more than 4 in 10 conservatives report that marriages in the U.S.A are weaker now than they were a couple years ago. Only 23% of liberals believe that marriages are weaker now.  This is most likely because conservatives place a greater importance on marriage.

Marriage is highly valued by conservatives.

A vast majority (80%) of American conservatives believe that marriage is needed to create strong families, while only 1 in 3 liberals and half of moderates agree.

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Even though conservatives attribute much more importance to marriage, more than half of conservatives (56%) say that the divorce rate in the U.S. has increased in the past 10 years, even though the divorce rate has been falling.

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Divorce rates have been falling but keep in mind, as our earlier article addressed, cohabitating before marriage, is linked to a higher rate of divorce later on.

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Divorce in Illinois can either be by agreement (uncontested) or contested. Either way, it is important to familiarize yourself with the process. There may be multiple contested issues such as maintenance, child support, parenting time, decision making, custody, and division of assets.

If you are looking for an Illinois divorce or family law attorney, please visit one of our offices in either Lincolnshire or Hoffman Estates. We offer free consultations, and will answer any questions you may have.