The Updated Divorce Statistics in Australia

Marriages are filled with countless challenges and obstacles. Despite a couple’s best efforts, many relationships inevitably fall apart and end up in divorce. This is evident in Australia’s most recent divorce statistics released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Understanding the divorce statistics in Australia is crucial in helping couples stay together or be better prepared if they decide to part ways. In this blog post, we will discuss Australia’s most recent divorce statistics and their implications on marriage.

Definition of Divorce Rate

The divorce rate is a statistical measure that reflects the number of divorces occurring within a population during a given period, typically per 1,000 residents.

This rate provides a quantitative overview of the frequency of divorces and is often used to analyse trends and patterns in marital stability within a society.

Importance of Studying Divorce Rates

Studying divorce rates is essential for several reasons. It helps understand social and cultural trends, the effectiveness of marriage and relationship support services, and the impact of legal and policy changes on marital stability.

Divorce rates can also indicate broader societal changes, such as shifting attitudes towards marriage, economic factors influencing relationships, and the well-being of families.

By analysing divorce rates, researchers and policymakers can gain insights into the health of societal structures and identify areas where support or intervention might be needed.

Overview of the Current Status of Divorce in Australia

As of 2021, the crude divorce rate in Australia was 2.2 divorces per 1,000 Australian residents, up from 1.9 in 2020, with 56,244 divorces granted, the highest number since 1976​​​​​​.

Administrative changes that made divorces more quickly finalised impacted these numbers. The duration of marriage before divorce varies, with a significant proportion of couples separating and divorcing after being married for nine years or less.

In 2021, this group accounted for approximately 56% of separations and 41% of divorces​​. The upward trend in divorce has stalled since 2018, with the median age at divorce being 45.9 for males and 43.0 for females in 2021​​.

Divorce rates vary across different states and territories in Australia, with Queensland having the highest rate of 2.6 divorces per 1,000 people.

Also read: Automatic Divorce After Long Separation Australia

Latest Divorce Statistics in Australia 2022

Last November 10, 2022, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the official marriage and divorce statistics for 2021 on their official website.

According to the ABS, there were 89,164 marriages registered nationally for the reference year. The ABS stated that this number is below the pre-pandemic figures (113,815) but is higher than Australia’s historically lowest number, which was 78,989 in 2020.

Many factors affected the decline of marriage during the pandemic, such as the following:

• Restrictions on the number of people attending a public or religious ceremony,
• State border closures,
• Financial stress caused by job losses and other economic impacts of the pandemic.

The divorce rate in the country faces a sharp increase compared to the previous year’s figure.

In 2021, the country recorded 56,244 divorces, a 13.6% jump from 49,510 in 2020.

Why was there such an increase in divorces from 2020 to 2021?

Some have attributed it to COVID-19. People were locked indoors with their spouses and obtaining a divorce and a separate residence would’ve been physically challenging given the restrictions around that time.

The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia stated that the reason behind this spike is the administrative changes to reduce divorce timeframes and increase finalisation.

The government department mandated this to reduce the growing backlog of divorce applications in the court. The changes included:

• Online lodgement of documents,
• Expedited hearing process,
• Reduced costs for filing and processing paperwork,
• Couples counselling services and support programs.

Divorce is one of the most emotionally challenging experiences any couple can go through. While it is natural to feel overwhelmed, understanding why couples choose to divorce can help individuals understand their situation.

Divorce is the final decision for anyone considering separation.

It is an emotionally challenging process, but various ways exist to minimise its effects on both parties involved.

Preparation before filing for a divorce is key to a successful and seamless process. If you’ve gone through all these with your partner and are still willing to pursue a divorce, make sure to seek competent legal advice from experienced divorce lawyers.

The Benefits of Having a Lawyer During a Divorce

The divorce process is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each case is unique, and couples should consider the services of an experienced divorce lawyer.

Here are some benefits of having a lawyer during this complex process:

• Expert advice: A divorce lawyer can provide expert legal advice and help you understand the consequences of your decisions. They can also explain what documents need to be filed to complete the process.
• Protection of rights and interests: Experienced lawyers can help you protect your rights, whether it is during negotiations or defending them in court. They can also provide advice about child custody and parenting arrangements for divorcing couples.
• Additional support: Having a lawyer during this time can bring additional support during this complicated period. They will also ensure that you know your rights and help you make informed decisions.

Divorce is not a decision to be taken lightly, but with the proper preparation and legal advice, it can be easier for individuals going through this process.

There’s no shame in admitting that you need help with a divorce. The divorce statistics in Australia show that most people consult with an expert to help make the process more manageable.

Our team of experienced professionals understands the complexities of this situation and can provide sound legal advice to guide you throughout the entire process.

Our lawyers are available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your case, so feel free to contact us online or call us directly. We are here to help you navigate this difficult situation and ensure you get the best outcome possible.