Divorce Statistics in 2023

Many couples face tough decisions and moments in their relationships that lead to a divorce.

Even though divorce rates have declined in the past few decades, the 2023 divorce rate is still higher than in the 1970s. Understanding these statistics not only helps us stay informed but also aids us in providing the best guidance to our clients here at The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm.

So, where do divorce rates currently stand in the United States? Let’s dive in.

How Many Marriages End in Divorce?

The common belief is that half of first marriages end in divorce. In 2022, according to the American Psychological Association, approximately 40-50% of first marriages resulted in a divorce. Do keep in mind that according to the CDC statistics, more people get married every year than get divorced.

In second marriages, the divorce rate was even higher coming in at 60-67% resulting in a divorce. It’s important to note that second and third marriages fail at a higher rate than first marriages.

Divorce Rate Trends

Current Rate: Recent data suggests that the divorce rate has declined since the 1980s. As of the latest numbers, around 39% of marriages end in divorce. While this is certainly lower, it’s clear that a significant number of marriages still face challenges.
Historical Comparison: Higher than in the 1970s but declining since the 1980s.
COVID-19 Impact: No significant change in rates. Although many experts predicted that the COVID pandemic would affect divorce rates, we saw that the rates stayed the same during this period.

Yearly Divorce Rates in the U.S. (per 1,000 population)

2018: 3.6
2019: 3.2
2020: 2.3
2021: 2.5
2022: 2.3

However, these rates are based on divorced couples in an entire population, which includes children, singles, widows, etc… This is referred to as the crude divorce rate and can be misleading.

Looking at the refined divorce rate which only includes the population at risk of a divorce- married individuals- the divorce rate is 14.9 to 1,000 women according to the National Survey of Family Growth.

Factors for Decline

Some factors for the decline of divorce in the last few years include:

Marrying later in life
Changing attitudes towards relationships
More access to counseling

Top Reasons for Divorce

Adults in the United States between the ages of 25 through 39 have the highest divorce rates. There are several reasons couples decide to end their marriages, among those these are the top reasons for a divorce:

Lack of commitment; 75% of couples stated lack of commitment as the cause of their divorce;
Infidelity or extramarital affairs;
Arguing;
Getting married too young;
Financial Problems;
Domestic Violence.

Regional Differences

– Higher rates in Arkansas, and Nevada; lower in Hawaii, and Massachusetts.

– Southern U.S. has higher divorce rates.

– Nevada has the highest divorce rate in the U.S. with 4.2 divorces for 1,000 marriages. This could be due to the lax rules around marriage and divorce itself.

Why the Numbers Matter

Understanding these figures helps individuals set realistic expectations. It’s essential to realize that while love is the foundation of any marriage, it also requires work, patience, and understanding.

Navigating Divorce with The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm

Should you find yourself amidst the complexities of divorce, our experienced team at The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm is here to guide you. We also specialize in religious and cultural differences during these times, which allows our team to understand individual needs and concerns.

While the narrative around divorce rates in the U.S. might be shifting, the importance of reliable legal guidance remains paramount. Whether you’re considering marriage or going through a separation, staying informed and seeking expert advice is crucial.

For more insight and legal assistance, feel free to reach out to our dedicated team. Call our office today for a free case evaluation with a divorce lawyer who is ready to fight for you.