Marriage Strengthening Seminars Decrease Military Divorce

Members of the armed forces and their spouses are working hard to avoid divorce by attending marriage-strengthening seminars, and the results are positive so far.

According to a report released by the American Forces Press Service, last year showed a 61% drop in divorce filings, representing the lowest it has been since 2004. That year showed a record high of 3,325 officers in the Army filing for divorce, which was followed up by a serious decline in 2005, with just 1,292 couples heading for divorce. In general, 2005 saw a drop in enlisted member divorces from 7,152 in 2004 to 7,075 in 2005. Although the difference was relatively small, some hope that it is the beginning of a positive trend for couples delaying divorce in the service.

While these numbers can appear overwhelming, Martha Rudd, a spokesman for the Army, commented that you should look at percentages, rather than total figures. In 2005, just 2.3 percent of married officers in the Army sought a divorce, when compared to 6 percent the year before.

Are you a service member that is considering military divorce? If so, a family law attorney is the next person you need to call in order to start your divorce proceedings.