Despite what the gossip magazines might have you believe, the California divorce rate has been steadily declining since the year 2000. In fact, across the country, divorce rates have dropped, with California steadily remaining at number 35 in the nation for divorce rate. While every divorce is a deeply personal experience, understanding the broader trends can provide insight and context as you navigate your own situation.
Fewer People Are Getting Married
The marriage rate in California, as of 2022, is about 5.7 marriages per 1,000 people. Compare this with the national average of 6.2 per 1,000 people, and California sees fewer marriages on average than many other parts of the country.
States with higher marriage rates sometimes experience higher divorce rates, as well. However, because fewer people marry in California compared to the national average, the state also sees a relatively lower divorce rate.
People Are Marrying Later or Not at All
In 1956, the average age to marry was between 20-22 years old. Today, that age has jumped to nearly 32 in California, partly due to life expectancy and the pursuit of more career opportunities. Marrying later allows for people to become more stable personally and financially. Cohabitation has also become more socially acceptable over the decades, reducing the number of people who would have otherwise gotten married.
The median age for a first marriage, as of 2023, was between 28-30 years old. That’s nearly a decade later than it was almost 70 years ago.
A recent study also revealed that 25% of men over 40 have never been married. This represents a massive jump from the 6% reported in 1980. Just because they haven’t married, though, doesn’t mean they won’t be. One-quarter of those men will marry by age 60.
Marrying Again
Getting divorced might deter someone from marrying again, but many marriages occur between couples in which at least one partner is divorced, and 6% remarry their original partner. While the likelihood of remarriage to the same partner is low, 72% of that 6% figure ends up remaining married for life.
Reasons for Divorce
Even though the divorce rate might be declining, couples still find themselves making the painful decision to divorce for various reasons. The most common in California is irreconcilable differences, but there are many more, including:
- Infidelity: Affairs, whether physical, emotional, or both, can devastate a committed partnership. Nearly 60% of marriages reported infidelity as a contributing factor in ending the relationship.
- Communication problems: Healthy communication is the key to a strong relationship, but sometimes finding that key can be challenging, if not impossible.
- Intimacy issues: This can involve physical as well as emotional intimacy.
- Financial difficulties: There’s a reason “for richer or poorer” is included in the wedding vows. Money strain can be too heavy for many couples and often leads to divorce.
- Abuse: Abuse can manifest in many ways, including substance abuse, physical, and emotional.
Navigating Divorce
In the state of California, you must wait six months from the time the other spouse is served divorce papers or from the day they respond in court before you can move forward with the divorce. This waiting period (also called the “cooling off period”) can be tricky to navigate. We strongly recommend seeking an attorney’s guidance through the divorce process.
Divorce in California also requires that one spouse live in California for six months and at least 3 months in the county where the case is filed before filing. In addition to time requirements, the cost of divorce can vary widely—ranging from a few hundred dollars in filing fees to several thousand in legal fees depending on the complexity of the case and whether it is contested.
A Divorce Attorney Can Help
While it’s possible to divorce without assistance, it’s not recommended. Hiring an experienced divorce attorney who focuses on family law, like Stacy L. Campuzano, will make this painful process run as smoothly as possible.
A divorce attorney will:
- Create a game plan to approach your specific case
- Help you file on time and manage deadlines
- Provide the necessary financial disclosures
- Negotiate with skill and care
- Help receive a fair settlement when dividing property
- Manage the delicate emotions involved with child custody
- Determine fair spousal support
FAQs
Which State Has the Highest Divorce Rate?
Alaska has the highest divorce rate in the United States, with nearly 10 per 1,000 women getting divorced. Wyoming comes in at a close second with 9.7 people per 1,000 women. In both states, people tend to get married at younger ages on average, which could have an impact on the divorce rate.
Is It Always 50/50 in Divorce in California?
No. Nine states, including California, are community property states, which means that property accumulated during the marriage will be split equitably. However, this does not guarantee that property division will follow an even 50% split. Gifts and inheritance that a spouse receives during the marriage are generally exempt from property division, as they constitute separate property.
Is the Divorce Rate Over 50%?
Unlike what you may have been told, the divorce rate in California and the United States is less than 50%. The national average sits around 43%, but each state varies between 35% and 46%. Several factors can influence the likelihood of divorce, such as education level, income level, and the age at which the individuals got married.
How Long Does the Average Marriage Last in California?
The average marriage in California lasts longer than twenty years. Any marriage over ten years constitutes a long-duration marriage and has its own legal implications. On average, a couple usually divorces around the eight-year mark. The average age for divorce is between 45 and 54, meaning the older a person gets, the more likely they are to divorce.
Contact the Law Office of Stacy L. Campuzano to Discuss Your Divorce Case Today
No one approaches their wedding day anticipating divorce. However, Stacy L. Campuzano has more than two decades of experience in family law and will focus on your needs during this difficult transition. Contact our office today to discuss your case and get the support you need during this time.
