If you’re navigating divorce, you’re not alone
You’ve probably heard the statistic thrown around that 50 percent of all marriages end in divorce. But that statistic is actually a bit out of date; according to the Institute for Family Studies (IFS), divorce rates have been dropping since their peak in the 1970s, and today, “only” about 40 percent of marriages end in divorce.
In other words, while divorce is less common than many might suppose, it’s still pretty common. While no one gets married expecting to get divorced, the statistics show that it’s a real possibility that you need to be prepared for.
Breaking down the trends in marital stability
The IFS broke down first marriages based on when they were formed and how long they lasted, categorizing them into cohorts based on the decade in which the marriage was formed. Overall, first marriages in the 1970s had a cumulative 50 percent probability of ending in divorce, which is probably the origin of the well-known folk statistic.
Since then, divorces have trended downward, and marriages formed in the 2000s and 2010s seem to be following that trend thus far.
For marriages formed between 2000 and 2009, for instance, 22 percent ended in divorce, compared to 30 percent of marriages formed in the 1970s. Marriages between 2010 and 2012 had a 10-year divorce rate of just 18 percent.
The IFS also noted that marital instability—that is, the divorce rate—is peaking earlier and earlier in marriage. Marriages formed in the 1970s reached peak instability around the eight- to 10-year mark (consistent with the well-known “seven-year itch”). In contrast, more recent marriages have seen the risk of divorce peak around five years of marriage.
The IFS findings also have interesting implications for the phenomenon of “gray divorce,” that is, people getting divorced when they are 50 or older. As the IFS noted, many people who are currently over 60 got married in the 1970s or 1980s, when divorce rates were very high. It’s possible that the current trend is merely the tail end of that era of highly unstable marriages.
Why the numbers don’t tell the whole story
While the overall divorce rate has declined, the reasons people decide to end a marriage remain as varied as ever. Financial stress, differences in parenting styles, infidelity, and simple incompatibility continue to drive couples apart. What the statistics can’t capture is the personal impact—how difficult it feels when your own marriage is part of that 40 percent.
For many, the decision to divorce comes after years of trying to make things work. By the time they meet with an attorney, they’re emotionally drained and worried about what the future holds. This is why having the right legal guidance matters. A divorce lawyer doesn’t just navigate the paperwork and court process; they help you protect your rights, secure a fair outcome, and begin building the next phase of your life with confidence.
Courtney Clark Law can help you find your way forward
According to IFS researchers, it seems likely that approximately 40 percent of today’s first marriages will end in divorce, although there is considerable uncertainty. Regardless of the exact statistics, that means there is a significant risk that any given marriage will end in divorce. Everyone thinks it won’t be them; statistically, about 40 percent will be wrong.
That also means if you’re going through a divorce, you are not alone. Plenty of people have been and will go through the same process, and while it’s always difficult, there is the hope of a better life on the other side.
The right attorney can put you in the best position to start your next chapter. Give us a call or contact us online to speak with an experienced divorce lawyer at Courtney Clark Law, P.C.
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