It’s no secret that divorce is common, but did you know the risk increases with each marriage? While first marriages have a 40-50% divorce rate, second marriages jump to 60%, and third marriages soar to 73%. What’s behind this troubling trend?
Baggage from past relationships is a major factor. Many people bring unresolved issues—mistrust, poor communication, or emotional walls—into their new marriages. Without addressing these patterns, history often repeats itself. Statistics also show that second marriages last a median of 17 years, while third marriages typically end around the 13-year mark.
Blended families complicate things further. Stepchildren, ex-partners, and differing household rules can create tension. Financial stress is another common trigger, especially when partners have different spending habits or financial obligations from previous marriages.
So how can couples make it work? Experts emphasize the importance of setting mutual expectations early, keeping money talks transparent, and voicing concerns before they become resentments. Remarriage isn’t doomed—it just requires extra effort, honesty, and a willingness to learn from past mistakes.
