Most of us know the statistics: About half of all marriages end in divorce, and fewer people get married nowadays. While the divorce rate has steadily declined overall in the past several decades, divorces have increased significantly for older couples during that time.
Forbes Advisor reports that in 2022, 673,989 divorces and annulments occurred in 45 U.S. states reporting such numbers. That same year, 2,065,905 marriages took place, making the U.S. marriage rate 6.2 per 1,000 people. Marriage has declined steadily since 2000 but experienced a slight uptick in 2021 and 2022.
The divorce rate, however, has decreased dramatically over time, falling from 4.0 per 1,000 in 2000 to 2.4 per 1,000 in 2022. While every divorcing couple’s reason is unique, some factors are cited most often.
Top five factors leading to a divorce
Couples report many reasons for ending their marriages. Here are the top five:
- Lack of commitment:75% of couples cite this as the main reason.
- Infidelity:60% of divorcing couples report unfaithfulness as a cause.
- Domestic abuse:24% end their marriages due to physical, emotional or financial abuse.
- Excessive conflict:58% say frequent arguments lead to divorce.
- Financial problems:38% indicate money issues as a reason.
These issues often overlap, creating complex challenges that can end a marriage.
How does income affect divorce rates?
Money disputes are a common reason for divorce. Financial stress can strain a relationship, especially for couples with lower incomes. Divorce rates decrease as income levels rise, with a steady rate of around 30% for households earning $200,000 or more. Divorce rates fall to 25% when household income reaches $600,000 but then climb back to 30% as income levels increase.
Living below the poverty line significantly impacts marriages. Around 46% of adults living below the poverty level have divorced. In 2022, 21% of divorces involved men not in the labor force, and 22% involved women not working. Economic stability can influence marital stability, making it crucial to address financial issues proactively.
Working with an experienced divorce attorney can help ensure an equitable outcome for dividing marital property, addressing child support and determining spousal maintenance. Knowledgeable legal guidance can help ensure clients are treated fairly when critical financial matters are at stake.