A new study completed by Iowa State University and shared in the Journal of Family Issues shows that children of divorce are less likely to earn a four year or a graduate degree. The research project found that nearly 30% of children with divorced parents had a bachelor’s degree or higher. Those numbers were much different for those who still had married parents at 50%. The researchers looked at more than 15 years of data gathered through the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth in 1997. They looked at the experiences of thousands of youth as they moved from school to work in young adulthood. The researchers collected data for the last round of this project when the youth were between the ages of 26 and 32. The primary purpose of the research study was to look at the influence of human and social capital.
Those jobs requiring a master’s degree are expected to grow by nearly 17% between the years 2016 and 2026. This makes understanding the importance of getting an advanced degree even more valuable. If you and your spouse are contemplating getting a divorce, it’s a good idea to have a conversation between the two about how you can continue to support the educational goals and dreams of your children.
Most parents recognize that getting a divorce in their individual situation is best for their family but want to minimize the ripple effects for their children as much as possible. It is hard to serve in this capacity and protect your children’s best interests but doing so can be instrumental for their future. If you are contemplating getting a divorce, set aside time to speak to an experienced family lawyer today.