Byte of Prevention Blog
The Changing Landscape of Marriage and Divorce

I was watching the CBS News Sunday Morning show this week and was made aware of what I found to be a surprising statistic. Divorce rates in America declined by 27% between 2012 and 2022. Data from the National Center for Family & Marriage Research (NCFMR), also confirms the divorce rate dropped by 20% during that period. This trend surprised many experts, who attributed it to several factors, including financial stability, changing social attitudes, and shifting demographics. Millennials, in particular, played a significant role in the decline as they delayed marriage until later in life, often waiting for financial security and compatibility before tying the knot. Additionally, cohabitation became more common, allowing couples to test relationships without the legal and financial implications of marriage.
While financial stability and evolving societal norms contributed to the decline in divorces, the years following 2022 revealed an unexpected reversal of this trend. Divorce rates began climbing again, and many experts pointed to the long-lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as a primary cause. The pandemic placed significant stress on relationships, amplifying existing issues such as financial strain, loss of social support, and increased family responsibilities. Quarantine and lockdowns forced couples to spend more time together, often exacerbating conflicts. As courts reopened and life returned to normal, a surge in divorce filings followed.
Entering 2025, divorce rates appear to have stabilized at a higher level than the lows of 2022, but they remain below the peak levels of the early 2000s. Experts are monitoring how social and economic factors continue to shape marriage and divorce trends. Younger generations are still less likely to marry than their predecessors, and financial uncertainty, compounded by rising inflation and housing costs, remains a barrier for many. At the same time, increased awareness of mental health and relationship counseling may help some couples avoid divorce, though others choose to separate earlier to protect their well-being.
Below are a few general key considerations for lawyers in navigating the current divorce landscape:
- Understand Shifting Client Demographics: Younger clients may have different financial and legal concerns, such as shared assets from cohabitation rather than marriage. Unmarried clients who are cohabiting may need protections that the law does not offer in the absence of an express agreement between the cohabiting parties.
- Address Post-Pandemic Family Dynamics: Many divorces now involve pandemic-related disputes, including job loss, custody changes, and new financial complexities.
- Stay Updated on Family Law Trends: Continuously monitor changes in divorce rates and family law legislation to better serve clients.
- Emphasize Mental Health Resources: Collaborate with counselors or therapists to provide holistic support for clients navigating the emotional challenges of divorce.
This evolving landscape of marriage and divorce highlights how societal, financial, and cultural shifts influence relationship stability. While the decline in divorce rates over the past decade offered hope for stronger, more intentional unions, the recent resurgence serves as a reminder of how external pressures, such as global crises and economic uncertainty, can impact even the strongest partnerships. By offering informed legal guidance and encouraging clients to protect their financial and emotional well-being, legal professionals can help couples navigate both the challenges and opportunities that come with modern relationships.