The Brazilian arrives later at the altar – which may help to avoid separations. Data released by the IBGE show that the number of divorces decreased by 2.8% in 2024, reaching 428,301 registrations, the first decline since 2019. During the same period, civil marriages increased by 0.9%, accompanied by a continued increase in the age of those saying “yes”.
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In 2024, men married on average at age 31.5, while women married at age 29.3. Among same-sex couples, the ages are even higher: 34.7 years for men and 32.5 years for women. The changes are significant: 20 years ago, only 8.5% of women were 40 or older when they married; today, this proportion reaches 25.3%.
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According to Klívia Brayner, research manager, this trend is linked to the postponement of civil marriage and the increase in remarriages, favored by the increase in life expectancy. But there are other factors that help explain why marrying later may mean divorcing less.
Divorces decrease and shared custody increases to 67% in DF
For psychologist and couples mentor Ana Paula Nascimento, emotional maturity is the first of these. “Those who marry later tend to have a better understanding of themselves, their own boundaries and their emotional needs,” he explains.
“Impulsivity decreases, communication improves, and the ability to resolve conflicts increases.”
She also considers financial stability an important pillar. Coming into marriage with a more structured professional life, many couples avoid one of the biggest triggers for arguments: money. “When the financial foundation is strong, the relationship can grow without the pressure of economic chaos. »
Life experience accumulated over the years also contributes to more realistic – and less idealized – choices. “Getting married after 30 usually means having been through previous relationships, making mistakes, learning and understanding what you’re really looking for in a partner,” he says.
Couples who reunite later in life have often already established their careers and achieved greater financial stability.
Additionally, those who delay marriage tend to date longer before making the union official. This allows for a more in-depth knowledge of the other: values, habits, objectives and even faults come into the package. “When the couple really gets to know each other, the unpleasant surprises diminish,” says Nascimento.
Another point is personal independence. Living alone for a while, developing hobbies, friendships and your own routine strengthens the relationship.
“You enter the marriage as a whole, without trying to achieve it. This reduces resentment and frustration,” explains the psychologist.
By dating longer, which is common among those who marry later, the couple has more time to know each other deeply.
But whatever her age, Ana Paula remembers that no marriage survives the calendar. She lists the essential pillars: honest communication, respect, trust, mutual support, quality time, good conflict management, intimacy, autonomy, flexibility and gratitude. “A lasting relationship is built every day. Age helps, but it doesn’t work miracles on its own.”
The trend of postponing marriage – and strengthening relationships – is expected to continue, according to the IBGE. As Brazilians live longer, date longer, and make more conscious commitments, “happily ever after” may begin a little later, but with firmer foundations.
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