Divorce is always personal, but the numbers behind it tell us a lot about where families stand today. By looking at recent statistics, demographic shifts, and the ways people resolve disputes, we can better understand what divorce looks like in 2025. For Arizona couples, this data offers both perspective and guidance when making decisions about separation.
National Divorce Trends
The overall U.S. divorce rate continues to sit at or near historic lows. According to the CDC, provisional 2023 data show:
- 672,502 divorces across 45 states and D.C.
- A divorce rate of 2.4 per 1,000 people, down significantly from the highs of the 1980s.
- Just over 2 million marriages in the same period, for a marriage rate of 6.1 per 1,000.
These numbers highlight a long-term pattern: fewer divorces, partly because people are marrying later and in different circumstances than in past generations.
Arizona’s Divorce Numbers
Closer to home, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services, the state recorded 15,160 dissolutions of marriage in 2023. Each county reports filings, and while numbers shift slightly from year to year, the trend reflects Arizona’s population growth and the changing dynamics of marriage in the state.
Demographic Shifts That Affect Divorce
Behind the numbers are social changes that shape who marries, who divorces, and when:
- Later marriages: The median age at first marriage has steadily increased. Couples marrying later often bring more stability to the relationship, which may reduce divorce rates.
- Fewer marriages overall: More adults choose cohabitation or remain unmarried, reducing the pool of couples who might later divorce.
- Family structure changes: The CDC reports that about 40% of U.S. births now occur outside of marriage. This shift affects how separations unfold, especially when custody and support issues arise.
For Arizona families, these national trends often play out in similar ways, particularly in larger metro areas like Phoenix and Tucson.
The Economy and Divorce Decisions
Money and marriage are closely linked. Research shows that economic stress, like job loss, increases the risk of divorce. At the same time, economic downturns sometimes delay divorces, since couples may struggle to afford two households or extended litigation.
Some studies even suggest that young adults who enter adulthood during a recession are more likely to divorce later. That means broader economic conditions can ripple through families long after the immediate hardship has passed.
Divorce Processes: What Works in Practice
Divorce is not only about whether couples split, but also how they resolve their disputes. In Arizona, as in much of the country, most divorces settle before trial. Courts encourage resolution through mediation and settlement conferences rather than litigation. Research backs this up:
- Mediation improves satisfaction. Parents in custody disputes who used mediation reported higher satisfaction and better compliance with child support agreements compared with adversarial cases.
- Settlement saves time and stress. Approaches like collaborative divorce or mediation-first strategies often reduce costs and conflict while leading to more lasting agreements.
For many couples, choosing mediation or settlement-focused processes can shape the quality of their co-parenting relationship long after the divorce is finalized.
What This Means If You’re Considering Divorce in Arizona
Statistics give us perspective, but your circumstances are unique. Still, a few takeaways stand out:
- Timing and stability matter. Couples who marry later or prepare carefully may face fewer disputes during divorce.
- Finances can’t be ignored. Economic pressure can both fuel conflict and delay action. It’s important to review financial options like temporary orders or structured settlements so cost doesn’t block your path forward.
- The process shapes the outcome. Mediation and settlement-first strategies often give families more control, especially in parenting matters.
- Local practice makes a difference. Each Arizona county has its own filing patterns and timelines. Understanding your county’s procedures can help you set realistic expectations.
Putting the Numbers Into Perspective
The divorce rate may be lower than in past decades, but thousands of Arizona families still go through the process each year. Looking at the numbers helps put your own situation in context, but the decisions you make about property, custody, and resolution methods are what will matter most for your future.
At Cohen Family Law, we will help you understand your options, choose the right approach, and protect your family’s interests as you move forward. If you are considering divorce or are already in the process, contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a more secure future.
