No one enters marriage thinking their union will be short-lived, but the fact of the matter is that 60% of marriages for couples between the ages of 20 and 25 end in divorce. If you are looking for ways to reduce your likelihood of becoming divorced, statistics show that some factors could work in your favor.

Here are three factors that could reduce your risk of divorce in the future.

1. The Status Of Your Parents' Relationship

You might be wondering what your parents' relationship has to do with your chances of getting divorced. Social scientists say that individuals raised in homes where parents are happily married are less likely to get divorced themselves later in life. When children are raised in a home where their parents are divorced, they are forced to make decisions regarding their values and beliefs at an early age.

Without a successful marriage to serve as a template, children of divorce often don't recognize the values needed to make a marriage succeed. If your parents are divorced it doesn't mean that you are guaranteed to follow in their footsteps. You may want to consider investing in a relationship building course prior to marriage to increase your chances of success.

2. The Age Difference Between You And Your Spouse

A study conducted by Emory University found that the difference in age between two partners can affect their likelihood of divorce. Couples that are 5 years apart in age are 18% more likely to divorce, while couples with a single year gap in age have a 3% higher rate of divorce. Finding a partner close to your age can be beneficial on many levels. You are more likely to share the same cultural and social values, making it easier to find commonalities when it comes to making a home and establishing a family.

Although it might be easier to get along with a marriage partner closer to your own age, couples with a large age gap can make their union last by keeping the lines of communication open.

3. Whether Or Not You Lived With Your Spouse Prior To Marriage

While living together before marriage might sound like a great way to determine if you and your partner are compatible, research shows that this arrangement can lead to higher rates of divorce. Couples who cohabitated prior to marriage were found to be 33% more likely to get divorced than couples who married before moving in together.

This statistics shows that if you want to avoid divorce, it would be better for you to avoid moving in with your significant other before you tie the knot.

Divorce can be emotionally and financially devastating, so taking the time to recognize some of the factors that contribute to divorce rates today will help you reduce your chances of divorce in the future. To learn more, contact a professional like Nancy Bunting regarding divorce laws and have help should things fall apart.