Puja Sachdev | April 9, 2025 | Divorce

Divorce Statistics and Facts

Divorce is a common life event, but how many couples actually separate and why? Divorce statistics in the United States have fluctuated over the years because of a number of factors, including cultural views, the economy, and evolving family dynamics. 

In the United States, the overall divorce rate has been decreasing. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the divorce rate was 4.0 per 1,000 people in 2000 but declined to 2.4 per 1,000 in 2022. This decrease is due to fewer people getting married and various other factors. 

What Percentage of Marriages End in Divorce in the U.S.?

The question of “What percentage of marriages end in divorce?” is often controversial. Many people assume it’s 50%, but research has shown that this number is outdated. Recent U.S. Census studies show that the divorce rate in America for 2021 was 6.9 per every 1,000, versus 9.7 in 2009. The likelihood increases for second and third marriages. 

Marriage success rates are often influenced by factors such as:

  • Age at the time of marriage
  • Education levels of the couple
  • Financial stability
  • Shared values and goals in life 

Forbes reports on several other interesting divorce statistics in America, including:

  • Third marriages report the highest divorce rate
  • Divorced people have a higher risk of dying early than married people
  • Having friends who divorced could increase your risk of divorce
  • 60% of divorced couples claim infidelity as the reason
  • 74% of women and 66% of men believe their spouse could have worked harder on the marriage
  • Around 24% of divorces are prompted by domestic violence

Interestingly, couples who marry later in life or have higher levels of education have been shown to experience longer-lasting relationships. 

Divorce Rate in California

Some people have wondered if California’s no-fault divorce system would increase the rate of divorce. “No-fault” is a simplified process that doesn’t require either party to prove wrongdoing. The divorce system in California also utilizes marriage counseling and divorce mediation, which may influence the overall divorce rates. 

The divorce rate in California is one of the lowest in the country. Approximately six out of 1,000 couples divorced in California in 2022. 

Some other interesting statistics about divorce in CA include:

  • “Irreconcilable differences” is the most common reason for divorce
  • The spouse filing for divorce must have lived in California for a minimum of three months
  • The entire process takes about 360 days
  • The California cities with the highest divorce rates include Redding, Roseville, and Sacramento

The steps to divorce in California are straightforward. First, one party must file the case and pay a fee. Next, the filing party must share the divorce papers with their spouse. The most difficult part comes next. Both parties must agree on asset division, child support, and other issues like pet custody.

Common Reasons Couples Get Divorced

Many factors contribute to the breakdown of a marriage. In California, which is a no-fault divorce state, couples do not need to prove wrongdoing in order to end a marriage legally. The most common legal grounds cited are irreconcilable differences.

However, in cases where there may be fault involved, some of the top reasons couples report filing for divorce include:

  • Lack of commitment
  • Financial stress
  • Infidelity
  • Substance abuse
  • Domestic violence
  • Lack of support from family
  • Marrying too young
  • Religious differences

Emotional and financial concerns are some of the leading causes of divorce, especially for younger couples. In California, divorce is more likely to be due to financial stress and military service-related separations.

Marriage rates have dropped, which is believed to contribute to a lower U.S. divorce rate.

In 2000, there were 8.2 marriages per 1,000 people. By 2022, the number had dropped substantially to around 6.2 marriages per 1,000. 

Younger adults often will delay marriage or choose to cohabitate with partners instead. This trend leads to fewer legal divorces being filed but doesn’t necessarily mean there are fewer breakups overall. As more couples focus on emotional compatibility, expectations have started to evolve in relationships.

What to Know if You Are Considering Divorce in California

In California, spouses can end a marriage without having to assign blame to one partner or the other. This can often make divorce more accessible to many, but it doesn’t necessarily make it easier for those involved.

There are multiple legal steps, especially in cases where there are children or property, and California requires a six-month waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized. 

Spouses in San Diego may need to address:

  • Property division under California’s community property rules
  • Child custody and parenting plans
  • Spousal support based on income and duration of the marriage

For those just starting the divorce process, it’s important to understand laws regarding child custody, spousal support guidelines, and how property is divided. 

Divorce Statistics Provide Insight but Aren’t All-Encompassing

While divorce seems more common today, the U.S. divorce rate has gone down over the last few decades. Still, many marriages end for one reason or another. Understanding divorce statistics and what impacts this decision can help provide much-needed insight for everyone involved. 

Contact a Family Lawyer for a Consultation

San Diego Divorce Lawyers, APC is here to help you. Give us a call at (619) 866-3756 or contact a family lawyer now for a consultation. At that time, you can receive some legal advice regarding your rights and the best course of action.

San Diego Divorce Lawyers, APC
2851 Camino del Rio S #430
San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 866-3756

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