Orange County Divorce Rate 2024 – Latest Statistics

Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, reviews the latest statistics relating to Orange County divorce rates. California has an overall divorce rate of 5.88 per 1,000 residents. While this number may seem high, when compared with the rest of the country, California is not considered among the top states for higher divorce rates. There are several factors that impact divorce rates, such as socioeconomic status, education levels, cultural norms, and unique individual circumstances.

It is shown that the number of marriages and divorces throughout the United States have both dropped in recent years. This means that people are getting married at a lower rate than in the past, and people are having fewer divorces than have been reported in the past in the country. The average length of a marriage in California is 19.7 years and depending on your vantage point, that is either a very long marriage or a shorter one.

Throughout the United States, it is reported that the overall divorce rate had a slight increase of 3.6%, which does not align with the overall trend of a decrease in divorces nationwide. California is among the lowest divorce rate states in the United States, with a divorce in every 5.88 women age 15 and older per 1,000 women in this age group. Compared with Arkansas, 11.85 divorces per 1,000 women aged 15 and older, we see the difference.

The average age of people getting married in California is older than many other states at 30.9 years old. This is in contrast to Utah’s average married age of 25.8 years. The state and country-wide divorce rates and statistics show general trends throughout the year and years in comparison with each other and provide insight into the changing and developing landscape of marriage and divorce as culture and society shift and change.

Key Considerations When Filing for a Divorce in Orange County

If you are looking to file for a divorce in Orange County, there are several key considerations to be aware of. Taking thorough time to prepare and become aware of all of your rights and responsibilities will set you up for a successful divorce process and ensure your goals are met.

• Understand Local Eligibility Requirements: Most jurisdictions and states have residency requirements in order to be eligible to file a divorce petition. In Orange County, residents are required to have lived locally for three months and in the state for at least the past 6 months. If you are not within this residency window, you may not be eligible to pursue a divorce in Orange County at this time.
• Ensure Proper Documentation: A divorce requires many essential documents, including marriage certification, bank statements, proof of all assets, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and more. There are not only documents that you must present but also many documents to fill out and submit, such as the official petition for divorce document.
• Speak With a Trusted Divorce Lawyer: A consultation and continued assistance from a trusted divorce lawyer is essential to the success of your divorce case. With accurate and qualified advice, there are many issues that can be avoided and many processes that can be streamlined.

Most Common Reasons Why People File for a Divorce

There are certain similarities when it comes to reasons why individuals file for divorce in California and throughout the United States. Below are the commonly cited reasons for initiating this legal separation from their spouse:

• Infidelity
• Substance Abuse
• Financial Issues
• Ongoing Communication Issues
• Intimacy Issues
• Domestic Violence
• Growing Apart

While there are common general reasons individuals are pursuing divorce, the reasons why an individual may decide to separate from their spouse are as varied and as individual as their reasons for initiating marriage in the first place.

FAQs

Q: How Does Child Custody Work in California in a Divorce?

A: Child custody will be decided by a judge in California based on many factors. Some of these factors include the income of each spouse, any criminal convictions, the bond the child has with each parent, any mental illness or substance abuse issues in either parent, and any specific or unique needs the child has.

Q: How Long Is the Average Marriage in California?

A: The average length of marriage in California is 19.7 years. This number shifts over time as it depends on factors such as cultural norms, socioeconomic status, education levels, individual circumstances, and more. Each state has its unique marriage rate and length, and in 2021, it was reported that 47.3% of households in the United States housed married couples.

Q: What Is the Process to Get a Divorce?

A: The process to get a divorce is to first establish that you are within the residency requirements of your jurisdiction and then take initial steps to file for a divorce. The first step is to file an official petition with the Orange County Superior Court. An official notice of your intention to divorce your spouse will be issued to them, and they will be required to respond officially within 30 days of receiving the notice.

Q: How Expensive Is a Divorce Attorney in Orange County?

A: How expensive a divorce attorney is in Orange County, California depends on several factors. These factors include the nature and complexity of your divorce, the attorney’s experience level, jurisdiction requirements and considerations, the length of your case, the amount of resources needed for your case, and more. If you would like an accurate estimation of how much working with an attorney will cost, speak with a trusted and qualified law firm to learn more.

Contact an Orange County, California, Divorce Attorney to Get the Help You Need

If you are among the many individuals seeking divorce in Orange County, it is essential that you have trusted and qualified representation and legal support. The attorneys at Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, are Certified Family Law Specialists, which means we are qualified and trusted to handle a wide variety of family law matters, including divorce. As you navigate the process of legally separating yourself from your spouse, allow us to assist you.

Reach out today to set up a consultation and learn how we can help you in this time of transition and change.