Divorce in America In 2024

1. Divorce in America In 2023

Most people have heard that half of all marriages end in divorce, but is there anything more to say? These divorce statistics shed more light on when and how marriages end in the United States. Read on to learn the truth about the person who ruined their marriage.

2. Important divorce statistics for 2023

In 2021, a total of 689,308 divorces occurred in the 45 US states reporting these statistics.[1] During the same year, 1,985,072 marriages took place, raising the marriage rate in the United States to 6 per 1,000 people.[1]

Every year, more people get married than divorce. These divorce statistics show what happens to marriages that end, as well as when and how couples decide to end them. How many marriages end in divorce? So what about the famous statistic that half of all marriages end in divorce? This is true, but only when it comes to first marriages, half of which end up falling apart. Second and third marriages actually fail at a much higher rate.[2]

3. When do couples divorce?

When a marriage ends, some time has usually passed since the marriage. In fact, the average length of a marriage before divorce is eight years.[3]

4. How long does a divorce take and how much does it cost?

Divorce takes time. Contested divorces often take more than a year to finalize, although simple divorces can be finalized in as little as three months.[4] Divorce comes at a high price, with couples spending an average of $7,000 to dissolve their marriage.[4]

5. What happens after divorce?

However, many divorcees do not abandon the institution of marriage. In total, 64% of men and 52% of women remarried after their marriage ended.[5]

Read more: Forbes Advisor created a list of the best online divorce services to make the process easier. Raw divorce rate versus refined divorce rate
When looking at divorce rates, it is important to understand that two different measures are used.
The crude divorce rate is the number of divorces per 1,000 people.
The refined divorce rate refers to the number of divorces per 1,000 married women.
Refined divorce rates are often thought to be more accurate. When measured by population, changes in marriage trends can affect divorce rate data. However, as more same-sex couples marry, divorce statistics based solely on the number of divorces per married woman may become less relevant.[6]

6. Divorce trends over time

Divorce trends have changed over time, with the number of people dissolving their unions decreasing. The divorce rate has decreased from 4.0 to 2.5 since 2000
Marriage and divorce rates have decreased over time.
In 2000, there were 944,000 divorces and annulments. The crude divorce rate was 4.00 per population that year. By 2021, that rate had dropped to 2.5 per 1,000 people, with just 689,308 people divorcing that year.
The marriage rate also decreased, from 8.2 per capita in 2000 to 6.00 per capita in 2021.[1]

Q&A

Question 1: What is the divorce rate in the United States in 2023?

Answer 1: As of 2023, the divorce rate in the United States has been fluctuating, but it remains a significant issue. The exact rate may vary depending on the source and the methodology used for calculations.

Question 2: Have there been any notable trends or changes in divorce patterns in 2023?

Answer 2: Divorce patterns can vary from year to year, influenced by various factors such as economic conditions, cultural shifts, and changes in marriage demographics. In 2023, some trends may include a potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on divorce rates, the prevalence of online divorce services, and continued discussions around divorce reform in some states.

Question 3: Are there any legal or procedural changes in divorce laws in the United States in 2023?

Answer 3: Changes in divorce laws and procedures can occur at the state level, and they may or may not apply uniformly across the country. In 2023, some states might have implemented or considered changes in areas such as child custody laws, alimony, and property division rules. It's essential to consult with a legal professional or check state-specific resources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Question 4: What resources are available for individuals going through divorce in the United States in 2023?

Answer 4: Individuals going through divorce in the United States in 2023 can access various resources, including:

• Legal Counsel: Hiring an experienced family law attorney is often crucial for navigating divorce proceedings.
• Mediation Services: Mediation can help divorcing couples reach agreements outside of court.
• Online Divorce Services: Online platforms offer divorce paperwork and guidance for those seeking uncontested divorces.
• Support Groups: Local and online support groups provide emotional support during divorce.
• Government Websites: Many state government websites offer divorce-related information, including forms and guidelines.
• Financial Advisors: Consulting financial professionals can help with asset division and financial planning.