Although divorce is a common occurrence, the process is almost always difficult. Most people do not want to upend their entire lives. However, they do so because they can no longer stay in a marriage that makes them unhappy.
Whether you are planning to get married, are already married, or are considering divorce, it can be helpful to understand how prevalent divorce is in our society. This can help you feel less alone and more confident in your decision. You may be wondering, “What is the divorce rate in California?”
Divorce Rates in California and the United States
Our country has one of the highest divorce rates in the entire world, with approximately 50% of marriages ending in divorce. According to the CDC, there are roughly two million marriages per year, and the overall national marriage rate is 6.1 per 1,000 residents. The number of divorces per year is 672,502, while the divorce rate across the country is 2.4 per 1,000 Americans.
Across California, 60% of household members are married, and 42% of men and 36% of women have never been married. Divorce-related figures show that 7% of men and 10% of women are divorced. California’s divorce rate, as of 2024, is 5.88 per 1,000 adult women.
These statistics have implications for other figures. In California, 22.6% of children live in single-parent households. Across the country, 23 million children also only have one parent as the primary caregiver.
Marriage and divorce rates have evolved over the years, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In the late 1950s through the mid-1960s, 87% of men and women were married by age 55. New data from the U.S. Census Bureau finds that fewer than half of U.S. households in 2025 were headed by married couples. Compare that to 66% of homes having married couples 50 years earlier.
While numbers fluctuate, a comprehensive study by the Institute for Family Studies estimates that 40% of first marriages end in divorce. Divorce rates may actually be trending down. One article published by Purdue University, which sources CDC data, finds that divorce rates have fallen significantly since the 1990s. One worrisome reason why could be that marriage rates have also declined.
Reasons for Divorce
These statistics often scare couples, and many people want to know why divorces happen so that they can avoid the situation or identify it when it appears. Unfortunately, this is not always possible. Couples divorce for many different reasons, and it can be difficult to identify a broken marriage while you are in it.
Despite the unique nature of every couple, there are a few common reasons that couples decide to divorce. They include:
- Financial problems, disagreements, or differences
- Lack of communication
- Inability to deal with conflict in a healthy, productive way
- Reliance on chemistry over compatibility
- Infidelity, neglect, or abuse
Fortunately, California is a no-fault divorce state. This means that you can file for divorce without disclosing why to a judge or courtroom. The reason for your divorce can remain between yourself and your spouse if you so choose.
The Divorce Process
If you have decided that divorce is the right option for you, it is important to understand the process and how you can prepare for it. It is easy for you to make errors when you do not fully understand what the law expects.
In California, couples must live separately for six months before they can file for divorce. This is called a separation period. During this period, both parties theoretically have time to consider their actions so they know that they are making the right choice. This requirement lowers the percentage of people who get divorced only to remarry the same person later.
When you file for divorce, you should already have an attorney to represent you. A divorce attorney can make sure that all your paperwork is legal and completed on time. They can also help you navigate the difficult process of negotiation.
Property division is the primary stage at which negotiation becomes necessary. You and your spouse will be asked to split marital property evenly, and if you want certain items or portions of your assets, you must advocate for yourself through an attorney. They can also make sure that your settlement is fair and that you are set up for success.
If you have children, you will have to determine child custody and child support agreements as well. These can be difficult and especially emotional for parents. Your attorney can assist you in advocating for a custody agreement that meets your needs as well as the needs of your children. They can also make sure that any child support payments are reasonable.
You may also be eligible for spousal support, or you may have to pay spousal support. Although this is not a requirement in all scenarios, it is important to speak with an attorney about negotiating these terms.
Why You Should Hire a Divorce Lawyer
Whether you live in Crystal Cove, Pelican Hill, Harbor Ridge, or another community in Southern California, you should hire a divorce lawyer who understands California’s divorce laws and how to properly manage your divorce case. Family law attorneys play an active role in guiding the divorce process and helping clients by protecting their rights and interests.
A divorce lawyer can:
- Help you understand California’s complex divorce laws
- Manage the complexities of your divorce case
- Make sure that filing deadlines are met
- Develop the right strategy for protecting your rights and interests
- Help calculate the value of your marital estate
- Protect your custody rights if you have children
Even if you do not predict a contentious divorce, you can still benefit from having strong legal support from start to finish. The right legal help can lead to a fair and sustainable final divorce order that allows you to rebuild and move forward with confidence. When you work with the award-winning law firm at Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, you benefit from our more than 150 years of combined legal experience.
Tips for Finding the Right Law Firm for Your Case
Finding the right law firm for your case is one of the most important decisions you can make during a divorce. Not every firm handles family law matters regularly, so it is important to look for attorneys who have experience managing divorce, child custody, property division, and spousal support disputes. Reviewing a firm’s website can provide insight into its practice areas, attorney backgrounds, and approach to handling cases.
It can also be beneficial to take the time to read client reviews and testimonials to learn how former clients felt about the firm’s communication and professionalism. During an initial consultation, ask questions about the attorney’s experience with cases similar to yours. You can also inquire into their communication preferences and which strategies they may recommend for your case.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Current Divorce Rate in California?
A: The current divorce rate in California is 60%, which is higher than the national average of 50%. Approximately 9% of California residents are divorcees. Although the rate in the state is higher than the national average, California is neither among the highest nor the lowest divorce rate states in the country.
Q: Has the Divorce Rate Increased or Diminished in California?
A: The divorce rate in California, and throughout the country, has been decreasing since 1980. There are many theories for this phenomenon. Some people think that divorce rates are down because marriage is not necessarily a societal requirement for cohabitation. Others believe that mental health resources have allowed individuals and couples to get the help that they need to coexist and live happy lives rather than get divorced.
Q: Is Divorce on the Rise in 2026?
A: No, as mentioned earlier, data from the CDC shows that the rate of divorce in California and across the country is actually declining. Some of the highest rates were recorded in the 1990s, and current estimates find that well below 50% of marriages will end in divorce. While many people think that half of all marriages end in divorce, the data show that the actual figure is closer to 40% and possibly even lower.
Q: Who Can File for Divorce in California?
A: Anyone who is legally married can file for divorce in the state of California. You do not need a reason to file for divorce. However, you must have been living separately from your spouse for at least six months before you file for divorce. It is not enough to be emotionally separated; you must have different addresses for at least six months before the state will accept a divorce application.
Contact Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP
Our team has many decades of experience in family law and divorce representation. Whether you are facing a standard divorce, a complex divorce, a divorce involving many assets, or something unique, we are confident that we have the resources and knowledge to represent you in court.
We are here to answer all your questions, address your concerns, and guide you through the divorce process. If you are considering filing for divorce, or if your spouse has already filed for divorce, we are here for you. Contact Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, online today.
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