Are Doctors More Likely To Get Divorced?
Doctors face a lot of stress in the workplace—and the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly not made things any easier for medical professionals. Considering the challenges that physicians face, you may be wondering: Are doctors more likely to get a divorce in Florida? The answer is “probably not”—though divorce happens in relatively high numbers across all professions and doctors have some unique issues to deal with during a separation. Here, our Clearwater medical professional divorce attorney provides an overview of doctor divorce in Florida.
Doctors are Probably Not More Likely to Get Divorced
Contrary to what many people believe, doctors are not more likely to get divorced than the general population. According to a study cited by Harvard Medical School, physicians are actually less likely to get divorced than some similar professionals, including lawyers and nurses. In studying divorce rates by occupation, researchers conducted a comprehensive survey of more than 6 million people nationwide. They came to the following conclusions:
- 24 percent of doctors have been divorced;
- 25 percent of dentists have been divorced;
- 31 percent of health care executives have been divorced;
- 33 percent of nurses have been divorced; and
- 35 percent of people working outside of the health care industry have been divorced.
Workplace stress has long been cited as a potential risk factor for divorce. While that makes these results somewhat counterintuitive as doctors work in a highly stressful position, researchers note that other factors matter as well. For example, doctors tend to get married later on average than the general population. A later first marriage is correlated with a lower rate of divorce. Additionally, individuals with graduate degrees, including medical degrees, are less likely to get divorced.
Medical Professionals Face Some Unique Challenges in Divorce
Although the evidence suggests that doctors are somewhat less likely to get divorced than the general population, the divorce process itself can be a lot more challenging for medical professionals. Physicians and other skilled medical practitioners face some unique challenges in divorce. Here are three key factors that should be considered:
- High asset divorce cases are far more complicated;
- Alimony (spousal support) is more likely to be an issue in a doctor divorce;
- Dividing a medical practice can be challenging.
If you are a doctor in Florida who is preparing for a divorce, it is essential that you work with an experienced attorney who has experience representing medical professionals. A lawyer will protect your rights, your interests, your family, and your medical practice.
Get Help From a Divorce for Medical Professional Attorney in Florida
At the Law Office of Gale H. Moore P.A., our Florida divorce lawyer has the specialized skills and expertise to represent physicians and other medical professionals. If you have any specific questions or concerns about the divorce process, we can help. Contact us now for a strictly private review and evaluation of your case. We represent doctors and other medical professionals in divorce cases in Clearwater, Largo, and throughout Pinellas County.
Resource:
hms.harvard.edu/news/doctors-divorce
