What is the divorce rate in the US? Quick Answer
- According to 2022 data, the divorce rate in the U.S. stands at 2.4 per 1000 people, reflecting current marital trends.
The divorce rate in the United States provides a crucial perspective on the changing dynamics of marital dissolution. The metric is represented as the number of divorces and annulments per 1,000 total population, and highlights trends in divorce over several decades. Exploring the divorce rate in America over a more than 20-year span will help you understand its impact on societal norms and the evolving narrative of marital relationships throughout the country.
Analyzing Divorce Trends Over the Years: A 22-Year Overview
What is the divorce rate in the U.S.? From 2000 to 2022, the divorce rate per 1,000 people in the U.S. gradually declined. Starting at 4.0, it dipped to a low of 2.3 by 2020 before slightly increasing to 2.4 by 2022.
There are many plausible explanations for such a trend. But what is perhaps the most obvious is the decreasing marriage rate. As fewer people are getting married, there are fewer marriages for divorces to dissolve. And instead of divorcing, many older married couples remain married until one of the spouses passes away.
Another factor is that people are delaying marriage until later in life. According to the Census Bureau, the average age at first marriage is over 30 for males and over 28 for females.
Factors Leading to Divorce
By taking a closer look at the causes cited by former couples, you find many causes of divorces simply relate to incompatibility, such as the following:
- Inability to commit
- Cheating
- Arguments
- Conflict with other family members
- Religious differences
Other factors stem from matters that can increase the conflict between spouses. These conflicts often arise from legal, health, and financial troubles, such as:
- Financial difficulties
- Substance abuse
- Health problems
- Domestic violence
These matters are often interrelated. For example, a spouse who suffers a serious injury in a car accident may experience resulting health problems that increase the risk of substance abuse. The cost of medical care can even bankrupt the couple.
Legal Right to Obtain a Divorce
A reason why the divorce rate is slowly rising again is a change in attitude toward divorces themselves. Many married couples no longer view marriage as an unbreakable religious or moral bond. Instead, it is a viable solution to their unsolvable marital problems.
The law has followed suit in that direction. Many states allow no-fault divorces, meaning either spouse may file a divorce, citing nothing more than their desire to end the marriage.
Learn More From ConsumerShield
What is the divorce rate in the U.S., and how does it reflect the state of marriages in contemporary society? In many cases, the answers to both questions are irrelevant.
Some couples will enjoy a relationship that will withstand time, bankruptcy, and health scares. Some simply won’t, but there is nothing wrong with that. Some relationships are so irretrievably broken that divorce is the only solution for both spouses.
ConsumerShield helps people in their worst moments. Whether you’re facing a divorce, injuries, or other legal problems, we’ll provide the educational resources you need. We’ll also connect you with a lawyer to provide guidance and representation in your legal matters. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
