People in Georgia and around the country have a lot of myths about divorce statistics. One of the false “facts” that gets repeated over and over is that half of all marriages end in divorce. Here are three real divorce statistics that might surprise you:
#1: The divorce rate is 39% and declining
The actual divorce rate is currently 39%, but it was higher in years past. According to statistics from 2018, there are about 2.9 divorces for every 1,000 people in the U.S. In 2000, there were 4 divorces per 1,000 people, and in 2015, the divorce rate was 3:1.
#2: Spring and summer is peak season for divorce
You might have heard a popular myth that people file for divorce in January. While there may be a rise in divorce filings after the holiday season ends, January is not the peak divorce season. March and August are actually the most popular months of the year to file for divorce.
#3: Less than half of child support orders are paid in full
When there are children involved in a divorce, the issue of child support payments can be contentious. However, the drama around child support orders usually doesn’t end after divorce. Less than half of parents who owe child support actually keep up with their payments.
Every divorce is complicated in its own way
Some divorces are less complicated than others, but no divorce is easy. If you are going through a divorce, your divorce may involve issues around child custody, hidden assets or a small business that must be divided. It’s important to prepare as much as possible for every stage of your divorce so that you can minimize surprises.
