Date Posted: June 23, 2025 2:52 am
Understanding the likelihood of a first marriage ending in divorce is crucial for anyone considering marriage or seeking to deepen their knowledge of relationships.
In 2025, about 41% of first marriages in the United States are expected to end in divorce, according to recent estimates from the American Psychological Association and several trusted legal and research organizations.
This percentage suggests that while divorce is common, the majority of first marriages remain intact.
The reasons behind these numbers involve complex social, economic, and personal factors.
Many couples face challenges, but understanding the latest data can help individuals make informed decisions about their relationships.
Those interested in a deeper examination of how first marriages end in divorce will find a wealth of useful facts and insights throughout this article.
Divorce in the United States remains a significant life event, especially for first marriages.
Understanding the numbers, age groups, and generational trends provides a clearer picture of marital stability today.
The divorce rate for first marriages in the U.S. is currently about 41%.
This means that out of 100 couples marrying for the first time, about 41 are likely to end in divorce.
The refined divorce rate for married women is approximately 16.9 per 1,000 in 2025, indicating a gradual decline over the past forty years.
The crude divorce rate (number of divorces per 1,000 people) remains between 2.3 and 2.5.
In 2022, over 673,000 divorces and annulments were reported in 45 states, while over 2 million marriages took place.
Divorce rates increase with each subsequent marriage.
For first marriages, about 41% end in divorce.
Second marriages have a higher risk, with around 60-67% ending in divorce.
For third marriages, the divorce rate is even higher, with estimates ranging from 70% to 73%.
The table below shows the approximate divorce risk by marriage order:
| Marriage Order | Divorce Percentage |
| First Marriage | 41% |
| Second Marriage | 60-67% |
| Third Marriage | 70-73% |
This trend suggests that people who remarry have a greater likelihood of divorcing again.
Gen Z and Millennials are marrying later than previous generations.
The average age for a first marriage is now nearly 30 for men and 29 for women.
These age shifts affect divorce patterns, as people who marry later tend to have lower divorce rates.
Younger generations also value cohabitation and long-term relationships before getting married.
This careful approach to marriage helps explain why the overall divorce percentage for these groups may be lower compared to older age groups.
The trend is reflected in the latest U.S. divorce rate reports, which show a decrease in the number of young couples divorcing within the first few years of marriage.
Both statewide trends and the influence of local culture and legal systems shape North Carolina’s divorce rates for first marriages.
Compared to other states, North Carolina stands out in several ways, including variations across counties and the impact of community expectations.
North Carolina’s divorce rate is higher than the national average.
The national rate for first marriages ending in divorce is between 35% and 50%, as reported by recent studies.
In North Carolina, the rate per 1,000 people is above the national average of 2.3.
Some counties in North Carolina have much higher divorce rates than others.
For example, in counties such as Jones, Rockingham, and Onslow, the divorce rates are especially high.
By contrast, a few North Carolina counties have divorce rates as low as 10%.
Across the United States, divorce rates for couples married in the 2000s are lower than those for earlier decades.
North Carolina continues to see significant variation from county to county.
These differences highlight the role local factors play in shaping divorce trends.
Legal and cultural norms in North Carolina have a strong impact on whether first marriages end in divorce.
The state requires a one-year separation before most divorces, which can influence both the timing and number of divorces filed.
Community attitudes toward marriage also differ across regions.
In some areas, religious and family traditions may discourage divorce, leading to longer marriages and lower divorce rates.
In other places, changing values about marriage and independence have led to higher rates.
A variety of legal services and support programs are available in North Carolina to help couples navigate the divorce process, which may impact final divorce statistics.
If you’re facing uncertainty in your marriage, L. Hudspeth Family Law offers respectful mediation services to help couples navigate separation or difficult conversations. Contact us to explore your options in a confidential setting.
Numerous social and economic factors influence marital stability. Age at marriage, education level, and income status each have a significant impact on a couple’s likelihood of staying together.
Younger couples face a higher divorce risk compared to those who marry later.
Divorce rates by age show that people who marry in their late teens or early twenties are more likely to divorce than those who wait until their late twenties or thirties.
The median age at first divorce has increased over the last few decades, with women divorcing around age 40 and men around age 42.
People who live together (cohabitate) before marriage sometimes believe it can reduce divorce risk, but research gives mixed results.
Some studies suggest cohabitation could be linked to higher divorce rates if couples move in at a young age without a clear commitment.
Military divorce rates and divorce rates by occupation can also vary by age.
Young military couples and certain high-stress professions like service and hospitality often face higher divorce rates.
Higher education levels tend to lead to greater marital stability.
People with a college degree or higher are less likely to get divorced compared to those who did not finish high school.
According to data on divorce rates by education, nearly half of first marriages for those without a degree end in divorce, while the rate is lower for college graduates.
Education has a significant impact on economic prospects, which can affect divorce settlements, alimony, and child support agreements.
Generally, more education leads to better job stability and income, which can reduce financial stress.
This stability helps couples manage issues such as the high cost of divorce, legal fees, and custody arrangements.
Education also influences decisions about cohabitation before marriage.
Those with higher education levels often delay marriage and cohabitation, which can lower divorce risk.
Divorce rates by income show that couples with lower incomes are more likely to divorce.
Financial difficulties are a significant reason couples split up, and economic pressure can strain marriages at every stage.
When spouses struggle to afford daily expenses, disagreements over spending, child support payments, and bills can become significant problems.
Couples with higher combined incomes have more flexibility to manage unexpected costs, including health emergencies and the expenses of divorce proceedings.
Economic stability can make it easier for families to create formal divorce settlements and plan for ongoing needs, such as child custody arrangements or alimony payments.
Income is often tied to occupation.
Certain careers, such as those with unpredictable hours or high stress, often report higher divorce rates by occupation.
Stable jobs with regular income help maintain a more secure marriage for many couples.
First marriages face unique challenges that can lead to separation.
Issues such as poor communication, financial disagreements, and differences in values often play a significant role in marital dissolution.
Communication problems are one of the leading causes of divorce in first marriages.
Couples who struggle to express their needs, resolve conflicts, or listen to each other often become frustrated and distant from one another.
Misunderstandings can grow quickly when discussions turn into arguments.
Some partners may avoid discussing important topics altogether, allowing small problems to escalate into larger issues over time.
Ineffective communication may include constant criticism, defensiveness, or failing to take responsibility for hurtful words.
When partners cannot express their feelings safely and openly, trust and intimacy often suffer.
The inability to handle disagreements calmly can also lead to separation.
Many divorce experts agree that finding ways to communicate openly and respectfully is essential for a healthy marriage.
Top communication issues that often lead to divorce:
Financial difficulties are a common trigger for marital dissolution. Partners may have different habits when it comes to spending, saving, or dealing with debt.
If one person is a spender and the other a saver, tension can build quickly. Some families struggle when faced with unemployment, medical bills, or unexpected expenses.
Disagreements about financial priorities—like whether to buy a house, save for retirement, or pay off loans—can create stress. Financial dishonesty, such as hiding purchases or having secret accounts, can lead to a significant breach of trust.
Unequal financial power in a relationship can also lead to resentment and arguments.
Typical sources of financial strain include:
Physical and emotional closeness are core needs in marriage. When intimacy is lost, couples often feel like roommates instead of partners.
This lack of connection might develop slowly, especially if each person becomes busy with work, children, or outside commitments.
The absence of affection, meaningful conversations, or quality time can lead to loneliness or frustration.
If one partner reaches out and the other does not respond, emotional distance can grow. Emotional drift can also hurt sexual intimacy, making couples feel even more isolated.
Unaddressed emotional needs can lead some people to seek comfort outside the marriage, which may push the relationship toward separation.
Warning signs of emotional distance:
Infidelity remains one of the most cited reasons for first marriages ending in divorce. It often brings intense feelings of betrayal and loss of trust that are very hard to rebuild.
Affairs can happen for many reasons, including feelings of neglect, boredom, or unresolved resentments. Technology has also made opportunities for infidelity more common through social media and messaging apps.
Sometimes, emotional infidelity—where one partner forms a deep, secret bond with someone else—can be just as damaging as a physical affair.
Common triggers for infidelity:
Many first marriages end because the partners realize they want very different things out of life. This incompatibility can relate to career plans, attitudes about having children, religion, or even where to live.
Some couples don’t discover these differences until after they are married. Over time, small disagreements can grow, especially if neither person is willing to compromise.
For example, one person may want to travel or relocate for work, while the other prefers to stay close to family. Changing values or priorities can cause couples to drift apart.
Even loving relationships can be tested by incompatible dreams or plans. In some cases, ongoing arguments about family roles or child-rearing can lead to permanent separation.
Areas where incompatibility often causes problems:
Living apart during North Carolina’s one-year separation period? L. Hudspeth Family Law helps create legally sound separation agreements that clarify financial and custody rights. Schedule a personalized review today.
Divorce patterns have shifted in the last decade, impacting who gets divorced and why. Several key influences include a slow drop in overall divorce rates, changes in premarital habits, and new patterns among older couples.
The national divorce rate has fallen over the past two decades. According to recent data, the crude divorce rate in the United States was approximately 2.4 per 1,000 people in 2022, down from higher rates in the early 2000s.
Fewer couples are getting married compared to previous generations, but fewer are also getting divorced.
More people are waiting longer to tie the knot, and those who marry at an older age tend to have more stable relationships.
Young adults today appear to be both more cautious and more selective when it comes to marriage.
Many experts believe that waiting longer to marry and living together before marriage play a role in lowering the risk of divorce.
Premarital counseling and education programs have become much more common. Many couples attend therapy before marriage to learn communication and conflict skills.
This shift is often credited with helping couples manage challenges better and reduce the risk of divorce. Online resources have also made information about healthy relationships more accessible.
Mobile apps and digital guides help manage finances, share responsibilities, and even resolve conflicts. With these tools, couples can address problems early and easily seek support.
Some states even encourage premarital education by offering discounts on marriage license fees for couples who complete approved courses. This move aims to promote healthy beginnings for new marriages and enhance long-term stability.
Divorce among adults aged 50 and older, known as gray divorce, has grown quickly over recent years. For most other age groups, divorce rates are lower than they were several decades ago.
However, people in their 50s, 60s, and older are divorcing at higher rates—often after long-term marriages and in some cases, after a remarriage.
The reasons for gray divorce include growing apart, changing life goals, and financial stress that often arises after children leave home.
This trend affects first marriages by highlighting how relationship needs can evolve. Older adults face unique challenges, such as dividing retirement savings and adjusting to single life after many years.
Rising gray divorce rates do not automatically mean first marriages are failing sooner, but they show that divorce can happen after decades together.
Most first marriages in the U.S. face the highest risk of divorce in the early years. The likelihood of divorce decreases as couples stay married longer, but many do not reach the 20-year mark.
Percentage of First Marriages Ending in Divorce by Duration
| Marriage Duration | Percentage Ended in Divorce |
| By 5 years | 20% |
| By 10 years | 32–33% |
| By 20 years | 48–50% |
Data points are supported by public health and demographic research, such as the CDC marriage statistics.
The concept of the “7-year itch” suggests that many marriages fall apart around the seventh year. However, the data show that most divorces in first marriages occur within the first five to ten years.
About one in five first marriages end within five years. By the ten-year mark, about one-third of marriages have ended in divorce (see CDC study).
This period, sometimes referred to as the “danger zone,” aligns with the myth but does not focus solely on year seven. The risk appears slightly higher in the first decade, showing that relationship stress can build up well before or after the seven-year mark.
Short marriages often struggle with money issues, career changes, and raising young children. Success over the past decade typically indicates a stronger likelihood of staying together long-term.
Long-term marriage survivors, those reaching past 20 years, make up about half of first marriages. Most couples who get the 20-year mark are less likely to divorce, according to national data.
They usually have clear communication, shared goals, and mutual respect. Many of these couples marry at older ages, or after finishing their education, which lowers the risk of an early divorce.
They often build strong support networks with family and friends. Couples who stay together for two decades are also more likely to handle problems with patience and compromise.
They face life’s challenges as a team, making it easier to maintain a long-term bond.
Each stage of marriage brings unique challenges and growth opportunities. Couples who are aware of these stages can build stronger relationships and better manage conflict, which can help reduce the risk of divorce and support long-term happiness.
Early marriage is a time of adjustment. Couples are becoming accustomed to living together, combining their routines, and making financial decisions as a unit.
Communication skills are vital during this stage. Disagreements may arise over chores, money, or time spent with family and friends.
Setting clear expectations and learning to resolve minor issues promptly can prevent them from escalating into larger conflicts. Newly married couples benefit from talking openly about values, goals, and boundaries.
Building a habit of regular check-ins helps each partner feel heard and respected. Adjusting to new roles often requires patience and a willingness to understand.
In mid-marriage, couples often face major life events such as raising children, advancing careers, and sometimes caring for aging parents. Roles and pressures may shift, and stress can increase.
Key issues are work-life balance, parenting styles, and maintaining intimacy. Regularly spending time together, even in simple ways like taking walks or sharing hobbies, fosters a strong connection.
Couples should focus on effective problem-solving and avoid patterns of blame or criticism. During these years, some partners experience growing distance or frustration.
Addressing concerns early helps prevent resentment. Seeking help from counselors or relationship workshops when stress increases can preserve marital health and lower the chance of divorce.
Long-term marriages often focus on life transitions such as children leaving home, retirement, and changing health needs. Rediscovering shared interests and adjusting to new routines can help keep the relationship fulfilling and vibrant.
Emotional support is crucial, especially as couples face the challenges of aging or health issues. It is essential to maintain open and transparent conversations about needs, expectations, and plans.
Some experience “empty nest” strain, while others feel closer. Re-engaging in social events, travel, or volunteering together can add meaning to your life.
Couples who adapt well tend to report higher satisfaction and resilience in the face of issues that can lead to late-life divorce. Frequent communication and mutual respect remain essential at every stage of the process.
Building a strong marriage takes intention and daily effort. Research shows that healthy marriages don’t happen by accident—certain habits and choices maintain them.
Open communication is one of the most important factors for long-term marital satisfaction.
Partners who communicate openly about their feelings, needs, and challenges can address issues before they escalate.
Daily moments of kindness, like saying “thank you” or checking in with each other, help couples stay connected.
According to psychologist Dr. John Gottman, one powerful way to “divorce-proof” a marriage is to turn toward your partner during both good and tough times.
This involves showing genuine interest, asking thoughtful questions, and responding with care.
Marriage education and counseling can also equip couples with useful tools. Seeking help early, even before problems grow, is linked with better outcomes.
Divorce doesn’t have to derail your future. L. Hudspeth Family Law guides you through every legal step of the divorce process with clarity and care. Contact us now to get started.
What is the divorce rate for first marriages in 2025?
In 2025, approximately 41% of first marriages in the United States are expected to end in divorce, according to national demographic projections and APA data.
Are first marriages more likely to succeed than second marriages?
Yes. First marriages have a lower divorce rate (around 41%) compared to second (60–67%) and third marriages (up to 73%).
What’s the most common year for a first marriage to fail?
The highest risk is within the first 5–10 years, with around 20% ending by year five and over 30% by year ten.
Do divorce rates differ by education level?
Yes. College-educated couples are significantly less likely to divorce than those without a high school diploma.
How does income affect divorce?
Lower-income couples face higher divorce rates due to financial stress, while economic stability helps prevent conflict.
What’s the divorce rate in North Carolina?
North Carolina’s rate is slightly above the national average, with certain counties experiencing more than three divorces per 1,000 people.
Can counseling help prevent divorce?
Studies show that couples who participate in premarital or ongoing counseling have improved communication and a lower chance of divorce.
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