Orange County Divorce Rate [2025 Updated]

If you are considering getting a divorce, you are not alone. It is a well-known fact that Orange County’s divorce rate is one of the highest in California. According to the CDC, roughly 673,989 marriages ended in divorce during the year 2022 in the United States.

California has a divorce rate of approximately 5.88 per 1,000 women, which means that roughly six out of every 1,000 women in the state will get divorced at some point in their lives. This is a surprisingly low average, especially when you compare California’s average divorce rate with that of surrounding states.

While the average percentage of divorces in the state of California has gone down in recent years, Orange County is still known for having an incredibly high divorce rate. Approximately  33 people in Orange County file for divorce daily, making Orange County one of the top contributors to the overall divorce rates in the state.

What May Contribute to the High Percentage Rate of Divorces in Orange County?

Just like every other place in the world, divorce can be the direct result of things such as infidelity, a lack of support, financial stress, incompatibility, communication issues, and more. There are, however, some specific reasons that Orange County may be experiencing such a high divorce rate. Here are a few examples:

• The high cost of living: While California is a beautiful place to live, it can also be incredibly expensive. The cost of groceries, gas, rent, and the like can lead to tension in a marriage, leading to financial issues and stress that can impact the couple in negative ways.
• California laws make it easier than ever before to get divorced: Historically, it was much harder to file for divorce, but with changes to the legal system, like the “no-fault” divorce law, it has become increasingly easy to file for divorce, cutting down on the hoops a couple previously needed to jump through.
• Pressure to keep up with a certain type of lifestyle: California culture covers a broad range, but Orange County is often associated with a fast-paced, career-focused way of life. This can directly impact the amount of time and energy a couple has to invest in their marriage, potentially putting a strain on it.
• Difficulties at work: Everyone likes to believe that they can leave their job behind when they leave their workplace for the day, and while that may have been easier to do in past decades, it has become increasingly difficult to do so in the modern era of technology.Since Covid, many people have started working remotely, and while this may sometimes mean more time to spend with their spouse, it also turns the home into a workplace; with technological advances, including email and texts, it is far easier for employers to cross the line between a work-life balance, leading to stress and losing time with your spouse.

• Difficulty merging different cultural backgrounds: Orange County is a beautifully diverse place to live, drawing people from all different races, ethnicities, socioeconomic levels, and walks of life. While this is a lovely thing, it can lead to people getting married without factoring in the cultural differences that may set them on different paths and potentially set their marriage up for failure.

Why Do I Need a Divorce Lawyer in California?

Having a divorce lawyer can be incredibly helpful when you decide to get a divorce. Not only will your lawyer be able to help you sort out legal documents and better understand confusing terminology, but they can also serve as an advocate for both you and your interests, removing some of the weight from your shoulders and freeing you up to focus on what really matters: your peace of mind.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in California?

A: Each divorce claim in California is unique, meaning that it is difficult to predict how much hiring a divorce lawyer to handle your case may end up costing. A few things that may impact your overall cost include the complexity and duration of your case. Scheduling a consultation with a divorce lawyer can help give you a better idea of what you may spend.

Q: What Is the 10-Year Rule in Divorce in California?

A: The 10-year rule, which, in fact, is not an actual rule, implies the basic idea that the longer you have been married, the longer your spousal support may last. While it is not guaranteed, the court tends to approach marriages that have lasted less than 10 years with the understanding that support will last half as long as the marriage did.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in California?

A: Due to the unique nature of each divorce claim, it is difficult to pin down an approximate timeline for how long a divorce may take to be finalized. Your divorce case may offer a whole host of unique variables that could result in it resolving sooner or later than other divorces. Fortunately, the experienced lawyers at Cianci Law, PC, can help you avoid easy mistakes that could lead to setbacks and assist with finalizing your divorce efficiently.

Q: How Long Do Most Marriages Last?

A: According to the Census Bureau, the average length of a marriage is around 20 years as of 2023. This number differs from state to state and shifts over time. Some factors that affect this are socioeconomic changes, such as changing gender roles, costs of living, and changing attitudes about divorce. Other times, it could be individual choices and circumstances or even education levels.

Get More Answers Today from Creative Family Solutions

• Getting a divorce can be exceptionally overwhelming and difficult, but you can find help at Cianci Law, PC. Our reputable family law firm is an award-winning team that includes Certified Family Law Specialists by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. There is no divorce case too complex, and we remain dedicated to resolving every client’s case with the optimal outcome they desire. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

See Related Posts:

• How To File for Divorce in California When Both Parties Agree?
• Summary Dissolution Versus Divorce in California: What’s The Difference?
• Recognizing Early Signs of Divorce in California