California Divorce Rate – Latest Statistics

Divorce is unfortunately common in the U.S., with many marriages ending for a multitude of reasons. The California divorce rate is an important statistic to understand, as it measures the frequency of divorce within a specific population over a given period of time, typically a year. Analyzing divorce rates can also communicate what factors might lead to divorces within a specific area, which can be beneficial for individuals to understand.

Even though California has recently had a lower divorce rate than the national average, it is still important to take into account each person’s unique situation and the difficulties associated with divorce, which many people may experience.

Being the most populous U.S. state, California continues to have thousands of divorce cases every year. This indicates that even though the divorce rate may be lower, there are still a lot of divorces, emphasizing the ongoing need for knowledgeable family law counsel.

In 2022, the California divorce rate was 5.88 divorces per 1,000 women. The 2025 divorce rate has not been recorded, but some estimate it may be around the same rate or slightly higher.

Having legal counsel is essential if you are going through a divorce in California. Our skilled divorce attorney and legal staff at The Goldberg Legal Group can assist you in navigating the emotional and legal aspects of a divorce by understanding your unique situation. We are dedicated to offering individualized assistance catered to your particular circumstances because we understand that every statistic represents a real person dealing with serious decisions.

Factors That Influence Divorce

Understanding the variables that affect divorce rates and statistics is crucial for comprehending them. Rarely does a single problem lead to the dissolution of a marriage; instead, a number of factors compound over time to produce irreconcilable differences between spouses.

Although each relationship is different, research consistently demonstrates that specific patterns and situations can greatly increase the likelihood of divorce. The following are typical factors that can affect and cause a divorce: 

• Lack of commitment: This is frequently cited as the top reason for divorce, with many couples feeling that one or both partners simply stop putting in the effort to maintain the relationship.
• Infidelity: Cheating and broken trust are consistently listed as major contributors to divorce.
• Marrying young: According to studies, people who get married before turning 18 or in their early twenties are more likely to get divorced.
• Financial problems: Money issues and disagreements about finances are a significant source of stress in many marriages.
• Abuse: Abuse, whether physical or emotional, is a common reason for divorce.

Understanding the Legal Implications

While California may not have divorce rates as high as other U.S. states, divorce is still common. Because of this, it is important to understand the legal implications and process of divorce in CA. Divorce, also known as dissolution or marriage, is initiated by filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Superior Court.

At The Goldberg Legal Group, you can expect most court proceedings and events to take place at the Orange County Superior Court, which is well-equipped to handle complex family law matters and maintains departments dedicated to divorce and custody cases at the Lamoreaux Justice Center at 341 The City Drive South, in Orange.

California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that a spouse does not need to prove the other did anything wrong to end the marriage. The primary legal grounds for divorce are irreconcilable differences, indicating the marriage is beyond repair. A divorce can be finalized after a mandatory six-month waiting period from the date the divorce papers are served or the respondent files their first document.

It’s highly recommended to seek legal advice from a qualified divorce attorney, especially when dealing with complex situations, contested issues, or high-value assets.

FAQs About California Divorce Rate

Q: How Might Changes in Family Law Affect the Divorce Rate?

A: Divorce rates have been greatly impacted by changes in family law, especially the implementation of no-fault divorce. While no-fault divorce laws initially led to an increase in divorce rates due to easier access to divorce, long-term effects are less clear, as these laws are still relatively new. Divorce trends are also greatly influenced by other elements, such as societal attitudes, financial circumstances, and legal reform.

Q: What Is the Cost of Divorce in California?

A: The cost of divorce in California is impacted by several key factors, primarily revolving around the level of conflict, complexity of the case, and how the divorce is handled. Higher conflict, complex cases, and litigated divorces tend to be more expensive, while uncontested divorces and those utilizing mediation are typically less costly. A significant number of separated couples delay or forgo divorce due to financial concerns, not receiving legal solutions to separation, and therefore impacting the divorce rate.

Q: How Long Does the Divorce Process Take in California?

A: Before a divorce can be finalized, California law mandates a six-month waiting period from the date the divorce is served. Depending on the complexity of the case, the actual timeline can vary significantly. While contested cases involving property disputes, child custody battles, or complex financial arrangements can take much longer to fully resolve, uncontested divorces can be finalized in six months.

Q: Do I Need to Be Separated Before Filing for Divorce in California?

A: No, you can file for divorce in California without being legally separated. Even if you and your spouse are still living together, you can still file for divorce. Since this removes a barrier to filing, this may leave California with a slightly higher divorce rate than states that require legal separation.

How We Can Help With Your Divorce

David Goldberg is an experienced and equally compassionate lawyer who can help with your divorce case. He takes the time to get to know clients and their concerns, offering full dedication and commitment to meet your individual needs. Our team believes that every client deserves personalized attention and tailored legal strategies that reflect their unique circumstances and goals.

At The Goldberg Legal Group, we understand that going through a divorce can be highly emotional and challenging, and our goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible.

Hire a Divorce Lawyer – Contact The Goldberg Legal Group Today

Contact us today to request a consultation to see how our dedicated and committed team can support you through a divorce. We can discuss your specific situation, explain your legal options, and outline a strategy tailored to your needs and objectives for your divorce.