Maryland Divorce Rate 2024 – Divorce Statistics

Depending on who you ask, you might hear a litany of theories on how many married couples seek a divorce. Some may claim that half of all marriages end in divorce, while others may say it is even higher. However, these estimates may not be as accurate as you may think. No couple sets out in a marriage with the intent of divorce, but there is an assumption that they are increasingly more common. If you need divorce advice, contact a Maryland divorce lawyer today.

Here, we explore the national trends for divorce and how those trends compare to marriages in Maryland.

2024 Divorce Statistics

While divorce rates may have increased over the decades, there are still far more marriages occurring than divorces. Additionally, divorcing couples are not always in their first marriage.

• Marriages ending in divorce. That old saying about half of all marriages ending in divorce is partially true. However, that statistic is actually for first-time marriages. Those couples in their second or third marriage have a higher likelihood of divorce.
• Timeline to divorce. Most married couples do not seek a divorce in the first few years of marriage. The average length of a marriage is approximately eight years.
• Costs of divorce. Divorcing couples often go through the process for several months or more. In a contested divorce, couples could spend years reaching a settlement agreement. For an uncontested divorce, couples can reach settlements quickly. Depending on the type of divorce sought, the average divorce will cost about $7,000.
• After a divorce. Individuals who have gone through the divorce process often choose not to remain divorced. Statistics show that an average of 64% of men and 52% of women will remarry.

Divorce Trends

Since 2000, the rate of divorce has decreased from 4 per 1000 to 2.5 per 1000. However, this may also be the result of a decline in marriage rates. In that same time, the marriage rate has dropped from 8.2 per population to 6.0.

Divorce Rate Insights

These statistics again speak to the type of marriage.

• Those in a third marriage have the highest divorce rate of 73%.
• If a person is marrying someone who has previously been married, the divorce rate is 40%.
• Some couples who divorce end up remarrying each other at a rate of 6%.
• Those who are divorced may have a shorter lifespan than those who are married. In fact, the average mortality rate for divorced individuals versus married couples is almost double, with divorcees at 1,363 per 100,000 and married individuals at 779.
• The majority of divorcees own a home, with 53.4% of those who are divorced still owning their home.
• Couples who live together may be more likely to get divorced. 57% of those who did not live together prior to marriage have been in a marriage that has lasted 20 years or more.

These are just some of the more recent divorce trends. The reason for divorce and the difficulties in a marriage can come from a multitude of reasons, and each marriage is unique and based on a unique set of circumstances.

Reasons for Divorce

While every couple will have different experiences, there are several common reasons by which couples end their marriage:

• The most common reason cited for divorcing couples is that there is a lack of commitment. Marriage requires dedication, and when that declines, it can be difficult to work through problems together.
• For 60% of couples, infidelity is the reason for divorce. When one spouse is unfaithful in their marriage, the lack of trust can make it difficult to recover from.
• Domestic abuse accounts for approximately one-quarter of the reasons for divorce.

Maryland Divorce Rates

Maryland’s divorce rate ranks relatively low compared to other states, with an average of 1.6 per 1000. This is part of the general trend downward for the state as it has fallen from 3.4 since 1990. This puts Maryland at 41st in divorce rates across the country.

FAQs

Q: What Is the New Divorce Law in Maryland?

A: In October of 2024, Maryland’s divorce law changed to eliminate specific grounds for divorce and categorize them instead into one of two categories. Instead of listing a reason for divorce as adultery, desertion, criminal convictions, 12-month separation, insanity, or violence, those seeking divorce can now do so after six months of separation or by identifying irreconcilable differences.

Q: How Many Years Do You Have to Be Married to Get Alimony in Maryland?

A: The amount of alimony a spouse can qualify for is based on a number of factors. When determining alimony, the length of the marriage, the capacity to earn, the income disparity, and other factors will play a role in the determination. Generally speaking, those marriages that last longer than ten years are more likely to have higher alimony payments.

Q: Can You Refuse a Divorce in Maryland?

A: Divorces are emotionally charged experiences that can fill both spouses with many lingering questions. While one spouse may recognize it is time to end the marriage, the other may not and refuse to allow the divorce. In these circumstances, the spouse seeking the divorce may file a Complaint for Absolute Divorce, which does not require the other party’s consent. It will be adjudicated, and final judgment will be rendered without agreement from both parties.

Q: How Long Do You Have to Be Separated Before Divorce in MD?

A: Under Maryland’s new law, you may seek a divorce from your spouse after separation for six months. Previously, couples needed to separate for a period of twelve months. The purpose of this separation is to allow both parties the opportunity to reconcile or work through the details of the divorce before the proceeding. If couples can agree on a divorce settlement during this time, the process after filing will be quicker and may save you money.

Maryland Divorce Lawyer

Choosing the person with whom you spend your everyday life is a decision that we hope will last forever, but sometimes people grow apart, or circumstances change. No matter the reason, the team at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, is here to help. Our team is ready to answer your questions about divorce and to help you navigate the difficult process. Contact us today.