The decision to end a marriage is one that’s virtually never taken lightly. Couples often try other methods to handle their problems before they call it quits. In the United States as a whole, the divorce rate has been declining since 2012, except for a slight uptick from 2021 to 2022.
U.S. News & World Report indicates that California is ranked 7th on the list of states with the lowest divorce rates, if the information is based on the number of women who are 15 or older getting a divorce. Looking at a few other key metrics can provide valuable information for anyone interested in the current state of divorce in California and throughout the U.S.
What does the Census Bureau say about divorces in California?
The Census Bureau keeps track of the divorce rate for the nation, as well as a state-by-state basis. The information shows that divorce has declined in this state since 2014. That year, the divorce rate was 9.8%. In 2021, which is the most recent data released, the divorce rate was 8.8% in California.
It’s also interesting to note that the available information shows that men’s and women’s divorce rates are disproportional. More women are divorced in California than men. As far as races go, both white and African American races had a divorce rate of 11.2% in 2021. No other races had higher rates, but Asians had the lowest rate of 5.8%. This may have something to do with cultural views on divorce among various communities.
What should individuals do if they’re considering a divorce?
Anyone who’s considering ending a marriage in California should ensure that they understand their rights and responsibilities. They should also learn about the filing process and what they will have to do to legally end their marriage so that they can make informed decisions about their rights and options.
People who are going through divorce in California should seek legal assistance as they handle property division, child custody, child support and spousal support. Seeking the feedback of a legal representative can be beneficial, as the decisions made during this process can have long-term effects.