Puja Sachdev | April 22, 2025 | Divorce
While divorce remains a deeply personal experience, there was once a time when societal stigma kept couples together no matter how unhappy they were. Getting divorced can still be a painful, challenging experience even when both parties agree it’s the right thing. Fortunately, most people no longer think of divorce as a “scarlet letter” but as a relatable condition.
If you and your spouse are having a difficult time making decisions about your future, it may help to know you’re not alone. This blog discusses the divorce statistics in the United States as a whole as well as in California.
Divorce Statistics in the U.S.
Overall, the divorce rates in the U.S. have been declining since around 2005, and so has the number of marriages. Popular knowledge suggests that about 50% of marriages end in divorce, but one study concluded that only 43% of first marriages are dissolved in the U.S.
Forbes reports on several other interesting divorce statistics in America, including:
- Simple, uncontested divorces can be completed in as little as three months
- 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
No matter the circumstances, it’s sad when a marriage ends. Divorce not only affects the couple and their children. It can change the lives of friends and family members, too.
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 custody, and other issues like pet custody.
What Do the Statistics Say About Hiring a Divorce Attorney in California?
Though “no-fault” divorce simplifies the process, understanding all the legal facets of a California divorce still requires knowledge of the state’s laws and prerequisites. Decisions about custody, spousal support, and property division can be hot-button issues that make it difficult to finalize a divorce agreement. Entering mediation can help couples resolve differences and avoid a contentious and expensive court battle.
Divorce can be a draining process under the best circumstances. Debt or property issues, in addition to custody issues, can complicate the proceedings. If you and your spouse are already having difficulty communicating and making joint decisions, it may be unrealistic to think you could come to an agreement on sensitive issues.
Working with an experienced divorce lawyer provides you with professional support at a difficult time.
Contact Our Divorce Law Firm in San Diego, CA. Call us at (619) 866-3756
Contact our experienced San Diego divorce lawyers at San Diego Divorce Lawyers, APC, today for legal assistance. Contact us at (619) 866-3756 to schedule a free consultation.
We proudly serve throughout San Diego County. We are located in San Diego, California.
San Diego Divorce Lawyers, APC
2851 Camino del Rio S #430
San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 866-3756
