What the U.S. Divorce Data Tells Us — And How Ontario Couples Can Use It

A recent analysis by the Pew Research Center (U.S.) highlights several important trends in divorce across the United States. While the data are American, they offer valuable lessons for couples in Ontario who are thinking about marriage, separation or divorce. Here’s a breakdown of key findings, followed by what they may mean for Ontario couples.

Key U.S. Findings

1. In 2023, over 1.8 million adults in the United States obtained a divorce.
2. Among U.S. adults who have ever been married, roughly one-third report that their first marriage ended in divorce.
3. The likelihood of divorce varies depending on when a couple married: for example, among those whose first marriage began in the 1960s, about 42 % reported the marriage ended in divorce; for those who married in the 1970s and 1980s, the share was around 46–47 %.
4. Divorce rates differ significantly by demographic factors. For example:
5. Among U.S. adults who have ever been married, around 41 % of Black Americans reported that their first marriage ended in divorce, compared with about 25 % for those with a bachelor’s degree or higher.
6. The share of U.S. adults born in the U.S. who have ever been divorced is higher (36 %) than among those born outside the U.S. (22 %).
7. Many who divorce go on to remarry: in the U.S., 66 % of adults who had ever been divorced had remarried, and among those remarried, 46 % had at least one child with the new spouse.

What This Means for Ontario Couples

Although Ontario’s legal framework, social norms and family-law context differ from those in the U.S., the U.S. findings still carry important implications.

1. Marriage is still a serious long-term commitment.

The fact that about one-third of ever-married U.S. adults report divorce reminds us that marriage carries real risks. For Ontario couples, it reinforces the value of entering marriage with clarity: whether about shared values, financial planning, and mutual expectations. Being mindful ahead of time increases the odds of a more stable partnership.

2. Timing and cohort matter.

The U.S. trend of lower divorce risks for those marrying later echoes what we see in Canada: the average age of first marriage is increasing, and older age at marriage tends to correlate with greater relationship stability. For Ontario couples this suggests that investing time in getting to know each other, aligning life goals and entering the marriage when ready may contribute positively.

3. Education and socio-economic factors are relevant.

The U.S. data show a clear link between higher education levels and lower divorce incidence. While direct Canadian comparisons may differ, the principle holds: financial literacy, stable income, and discussing money matters openly before (and during) marriage strengthen the partnership. Ontario couples might benefit from joint financial planning, transparent discussions about debt, income disparity, and long-term goals (retirement, children, home ownership).

4. Demographic differences highlight tailored risk.

The U.S. data demonstrate that race/ethnicity, nativity and education are associated with different outcomes. In the Ontario context, while the exact same categories may not apply, it reminds family-law practitioners and couples that individual circumstances matter: cultural background, immigration experience, extended family expectations, and social networks all influence marital trajectories. Couples should consider what unique pressures or supports they bring into the relationship.

5. Divorce isn’t always the end of family formation.

In the U.S., two-thirds of divorced adults remarried, and nearly half of those remarried had children with a new partner. For Ontario couples, this underlines that separation or divorce does not necessarily mean the end of one’s family life or opportunities for future relationships. For those already separated or considering separation, it’s a reminder that planning for the future—financially, emotionally, and legally—is important. For example, thinking ahead about spousal support, division of property, children’s interests and perhaps future relationships can avoid downstream surprises.

Specific Considerations for Ontario Family Law

1. While the U.S. data offer broad risk patterns, Ontario (and Canadian) law differs: for example, the federal Divorce Act allows for “no-fault” divorce (i.e., separation for at least one year) without proving wrongdoing.
2. According to Canadian data, the divorce rate has declined in recent decades; for example, in Canada the rate of divorces per 1,000 married people dropped from about 12.7 in 1991 to about 5.6 in 2020.
3. In Ontario, the number of divorces dropped by about 36 % between 2019 and 2020.
4. For couples in Ontario, many separations occur before formal divorce is granted. Pay attention both to separation agreements (legal and financial effects) and to how children will be supported and housed during transitional phases.
5. Because cohabitation and common-law relationships are prevalent in Ontario, couples should note that divorce statistics reflect legally married couples only; separation of common-law relationships follows different rules. This means risk and planning should extend beyond just married couples.

Practical Tips for Ontario Couples

1. Engage in pre-marital planning: open discussions about finances, children, roles, expectations, and conflict-resolution styles.
2. Consider legal advice or mediation early: even if the marriage remains intact for decades, establishing clarity (eg., wills, powers of attorney, parenting intentions) helps.
3. Financial transparency is key: bring together a budget, discuss debt, savings, insured earnings, retirement plans, and future goals.
4. Keep lines of communication open: couples in long-term stable marriages often cite intentional conversations about evolving goals and roles as critical.
5. For couples facing separation: seek legal advice early about spousal support, child support, property division, and make use of collaborative or mediated processes where possible.
6. Recognize that future family formation is possible: the U.S. data underscore this—so whether you are planning marriage, thinking about separation, or considering remarriage, an informed, proactive approach serves you well.

The U.S. data from Pew remind us that marriage remains a serious institution with measurable risk. For Ontario couples, each piece of that risk is shaped by individual decisions, socio-economic factors, and legal context. While Ontario’s divorce patterns may differ, the lessons are similar: marry when you’re ready, plan with clarity, communicate consistently, and seek professional help early if things shift. At Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers, we see how proactive planning and respectful processes make a difference for families. If you value that approach, our team is here to support you through marriage, transition or separation.