Divorces appear very common these as people prioritize personal happiness and growth. However, the more accurate fact seems to be that with the coming of the internet and social media apps like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and so on, information travels a lot faster and people in different parts of the world get to hear about these things faster than they ever did.
According to Forbes Advisor, trends in divorce have changed over time, with the number of people dissolving their unions decreasing. In the United States, for instance, both the marriage and divorce rate have declined over time.
“In 2000, a total of 944,000 divorces and annulments occurred. The crude divorce rate was 4.00 per population during that year. By 2021, it had fallen to 2.5 per 1,000 population, with just 689,308 people divorcing that year,” says Adam Ramirez in an article on Forbes Advisor.
“The marriage rate has declined too, dropping from 8.2 per population in 2000 to 6.00 per population in 2021.”
What may have changed is the way people perceive divorce, which is a reflection of the changing dynamics of relationships. People are seeking independence and fulfillment, leading to a higher acceptance of divorce as a means of finding personal happiness.
With advancements in technology, relationships have undergone significant changes. The fast-paced nature of modern life, increased work pressures, and evolving gender roles have all contributed to the way people perceived relationships or marriages. People are now more empowered to prioritize their own happiness and well-being, leading to a greater willingness to end unhappy or unfulfilling marriages.
Nearly 70 percent of divorces are initiated by the wife, according to The Jimenez Law Firm. In addition, over 50 percent of divorced wives never want to remarry while only about 30 percent of men express that same sentiment.
As people prioritize personal happiness, some also go into marriages with transactional intentions. Getting an annulment is expensive as one partner, most especially thee woman, walks away with a lot of money as settlements.
Divorces are now used as a quick means to get rich. This is more common with celebrities as the world sees and hears news about them.
In April 2023, the internet and social media were awash with the news of popular football player Hakimi whose wife was said to have demanded more than half of his properties as part of her divorce settlement. During the ongoing divorce proceedings, it was revealed that Hakimi, 24, had placed 80 percent of his wealth in his mother’s name, including houses, cars, clothes, jewelry, and money.
The world has witnessed many expensive divorces in recent years. The divorce between Bill Gates, former CEO of Microsoft, and his wife Melinda Gates in 2021 is the most expensive so far, with Melinda getting $76 billion.
Jeff Bezos’ divorce in 2019 from MacKenzie Bezos is the second most expensive, with MacKenzie Bezos getting $38 billion ($43.5 billion inflation adjusted).
Madonna, a female celebrity, paid her ex-husband a large sum of money between $76 million-$96 million for their divorce settlement.
The divorce of popular Nigerian artiste Peter Okoye and his ex-wife Anita is also another example. The couple got married in 2014 and divorced in December 2022. Anita requested a monthly settlement of $20,000 but it was not granted to her by the court.
Popular Nollywood actor Bolanle Ninalowo also announced that his 17-year marriage with Bunmi Ninalowo had come to an end. The former couple had two children. He stated he and his wife had to make the inescapable decision for the sake of a “peaceful and loveable future”. He also cited their children and his mental health, among other reasons, for the painful decision.
But divorce can also have emotional and financial implications. It’s crucial for individuals to approach divorce with open communication, understanding, and support to navigate this challenging process. It is also essential for society to provide support systems and resources to help individuals navigate the emotional and practical challenges that come with divorce.
