Divorce can be a complex and very personal experience for those going through it, but when we consider the data across Australia, we can identify some clear patterns. This article provides a thorough and up-to-date overview of the divorce rate in Australia, explores the key causes behind these trends, and considers what they may mean for individuals, families, and society.
What’s the latest divorce rate in Australia?
The latest statistics reveal that the “crude divorce rate” in Australia, the number of divorces granted per 1,000 persons aged 16 and over, is around 2.1 divorces per 1,000 persons in 2024.
Key points:
- The Australian divorce story has shifted dramatically. In 2024, 47,216 divorces occurred, with 48,700 divorces registered in 2023.
- The rate dropped from approximately 2.3 divorces per 1000 in 2023 to 2.1 per 1000 in 2024.
- The median duration of a marriage before divorce increased to 13.2 years in 2024.
- The median age at divorce is approximately 47 years for men and 44 years for women.
- While the rate of legal divorce is low, it does not mean that relationship breakdowns are low; many couples separate without a legal divorce, so the legal rate may understate the timing of earlier splits.
How the story of divorce in Australia has evolved
Australia has seen changes in patterns of divorce over time, a large part of which can be attributed to social attitude changes, economic situation and legal reforms. The introduction of the Family Law Act 1975 led to a dramatic increase in the number of divorces in the country, after which the divorce rate stabilised and remained fairly consistent. Today, some Australians are choosing to marry later in life, and that generally means they remain married longer.
Historical trends:
1970s spike: Following the introduction of “no-fault divorce” in 1975, a rapid increase in divorces occurred as couples could separate after 12 months.
1980s–1990s moderation: Following the increase in the divorce rate, divorce rates began to decline over time as the initial social shock of the new law settled down and marital trends adapted.
2000s stabilisation: Over the years, divorce rates seemed to stabilise, with most divorces happening after couples had been together anywhere from 8-12 years.
Rising separations: More couples are now living together without marrying, which also means more relationship breakdowns happen outside of the divorce rate.
Recent years (2010s–2020s): Divorce rates appear to be mildly declining at the aggregate level, but short-term fluctuations were noted during the COVID-19 pandemic due to stress from lockdowns and changing lifestyles.
Modern Australian society tends to view divorce more pragmatically—less as a failure, and more as a path to individual wellbeing.
The main causes of divorce in Australia
Emotional disconnection, financial pressure, and conflicting lifestyles drive divorces in Australia. While every relationship is unique, there are often several identifiable recurring factors that can be highlighted as the key drivers of divorce and marital breakdowns.
Key issues of divorce in Australia:
- Communication breakdown occurs when you can’t communicate through conflict or express how you feel, which can lead to issues.
- Financial strain arises because the cost of living is increasing, and some people have different attitudes towards money and spending compared with their partners.
- Infidelity, whether emotional, physical, or sexual in nature infidelity can erode trust and is a common issue in divorce.
- Domestic violence can take many forms; it’s not just about physical harm. It can also involve emotional abuse, manipulation, or psychological control that deeply affects a person’s well-being.
- Growing apart, changes in priorities or personal goals can lead couples to grow apart and have differing interests.
- Mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, or depression can undermine a person’s ability to maintain a relationship.
What this means for Australian couples and families today
For Australians contemplating marriage, or who are or have been married, these trends may be helpful:
- Time is important: Since individuals are getting married later in life, and remaining married longer (on average), there could be advantages to ensuring both parties are emotionally, financially and practically ready.
- Preparation can be helpful: Strong communication, financial planning and mutual understanding of expectations may facilitate established, strong relationships.
- Separation doesn’t usually happen overnight: When a relationship is finished, separation doesn’t mean an immediate divorce; there could be text, logistics or years (and maybe a process) between a separation and marriage dissolution.
- Children and family welfare are important: With many couples, there are children under the age of 18 involved in the divorce process, which is important in terms of networks of support, mediation and legal advice around family law.
- Understanding the legal context: Family and divorce laws in Australia have developed over decades around family law (for example, no-fault divorce laws). Understanding your rights and obligations is smart when dealing with assets, property or children.
Demographic and regional factors
Although national statistics provide an overall snapshot, there may be regional, age and relationship differences:
- People who marry younger typically experience a greater risk of divorce compared with those who marry later.
- Those who are in de facto relationships (not formal marriage) may also leave relationships, but when they do, the separations may not show up in “divorce” statistics.
- Indigenous Australians, and those who live in regional and remote communities, may have different patterns (although national data for these groups is limited in this article).
- You may also want to consider cultural, religious or socio-economic factors that impact relationship stability in different populations in Australia.
Final thoughts
Divorce in Australia is not just a statistic; it reflects how relationships and society have changed. The divorce rate is now around 2.1 divorces per 1,000 people in the Australian population. But a low rate does not signify that relationships have become less difficult; Because Australians are marrying later, living together without marrying, and are more cautious about committing to relationships, and are more cautious in committing to relationships.
