Divorce Statistics 2026

divorces per 1,000 people is the current US divorce rate

The US divorce rate is about 2.3 per 1,000 people, the lowest it has been since 1970. This represents a significant decline from its peak of 5.3 in 1981.

of first marriages in the US end in divorce

While often cited as "50%," the actual divorce rate for first marriages is closer to 40-45%. The rate varies significantly by age, education, and other factors.

decline in divorce rate since its 1981 peak

The divorce rate has dropped by about 50% from its peak in 1981. This is partly due to people marrying later and more selectively.

of second marriages end in divorce

Second marriages have a higher divorce rate than first marriages, with about 60% ending in divorce. Third marriages have an even higher rate at 73%.

divorces occur in the US each year

Approximately 689,000 divorces and annulments occur in the US annually, based on the latest available data.

of divorces cite communication problems as a major factor

Poor communication is the #1 cited reason for divorce, with 65% of divorced couples saying communication breakdown was a major contributing factor.

of divorces involve infidelity

Infidelity is cited as a contributing factor in about 40% of divorces, making it one of the top reasons for marriage breakdown.

of divorces cite financial problems as a major cause

Money problems and financial disagreements contribute to about 36% of divorces, particularly during economic downturns.

of divorced couples say they "grew apart"

More than half of divorced people report that they simply grew apart over time, losing the connection they once had.

of divorces involve some form of abuse

Physical, emotional, or verbal abuse is a factor in about 25% of divorces, though this is likely underreported.

cite lack of intimacy as a divorce factor

About one-third of divorced people cite lack of physical or emotional intimacy as a significant factor in their divorce.

is the average length of marriage before divorce

On average, couples who divorce do so after about 8 years of marriage. The first few years and years 7-8 tend to be highest risk periods.

are the peak months for divorce filings

Divorce filings spike in January and March, often called "Divorce Season." Many couples decide to divorce after the holidays but wait until after the new year to file.

is when divorce risk peaks (the "seven-year itch")

Research confirms the "seven-year itch" is real - divorce risk peaks around years 5-8 of marriage, then gradually declines.

of marriages that end in divorce do so within the first 5 years

About one in five marriages that end in divorce do so within the first five years, with the highest risk in years 1-3.

higher divorce risk for those who marry under 25

People who marry before age 25 are twice as likely to divorce compared to those who marry after 25. Waiting until 25+ significantly improves marriage success.

lower divorce rate for college graduates

College graduates have about 50% lower divorce rates than those without degrees. Higher education correlates with later marriage and higher income, both protective factors.

higher divorce risk for couples earning under $50k/year

Financial stress significantly increases divorce risk. Couples earning under $50,000 annually have about 30% higher divorce rates than those earning more.

of divorces are filed by women

Women initiate approximately 69% of all divorces. Among college-educated couples, this rises to about 90%.

of divorces involve children under 18

About 40% of divorces involve children under 18 years old. Approximately 1 million children experience their parents' divorce each year in the US.

is the average cost of a divorce in the US

The average divorce costs about $15,000, including attorney fees, court costs, and other expenses. Contested divorces can cost $50,000 or more.

is the average time to finalize a divorce

The average divorce takes about 11 months from filing to finalization. Uncontested divorces can be faster (3-6 months), while contested ones may take years.

of mediated divorces result in agreement

Divorce mediation has an 80% success rate and typically costs 40-60% less than traditional litigation.

lower divorce rate for couples who do premarital counseling

Couples who participate in premarital counseling have about 30% lower divorce rates. It helps identify potential issues before marriage.

lower divorce rate when couples share core values

Couples who share similar core values (religion, family goals, money attitudes) have significantly stronger marriages and lower divorce rates.

lower divorce rate for couples who have weekly date nights

Regular date nights help maintain connection. Couples who prioritize weekly quality time together report higher satisfaction and lower divorce rates.