When considering the stereotype of the typical young girl, most consider one who plans her wedding from the time that she is young; picking out her dress, shoes, even the ring that will one day grace her finger. They dream of the husband that they will one day walk down the aisle towards, following a trail of rose petals. Next come the images of starting a family, and growing old together side by side until “death do [they] part.” Unfortunately, those dreams manifested within the young ladies of today are being shattered by the looming threat of divorce that now ends approximately half of the marriages in the United States. Married couples experience numerous perks that are forfeited by divorce, including on average, higher levels of wealth, safety, and even health. The forces driving people to absolve their holy matrimony are both vast and varied between couples, depending on their unique situation. Legal, religious, and social expectations have become less strict, and the improving economy has allowed for easier transition out of a marriage; however, the effects of divorce can be crippling to young children as well as the adults involved. The divorce rate rose to the highest peak in 1980, but thankfully is now on a steady decline. Although the rate is going down, it is still twice as high as it was in 1960, and has quite a way to go before it reaches a tolerable level. After the peak in the 1980s, the decline in the divorce rate has been a relief, and without its continuation in the future, divorce will continue to distress the institution of marriage and its prospects.…