The same-sex marriage divorce rate in the US is currently around 2%. The divorce rate for heterosexual marriages is also about 2% in the US. It is interesting how similar the divorce rates are and what we can learn from the comparison. But to get accurate insight into the divorce rates, it’s important to understand the context of same-sex marriage and how the changing habits of people in the 21st century have impacted marriage.
The History Of Same-Sex Marriage In The US
Same-sex marriage wasn’t federally legalized in the US until 2015, and therefore same-sex divorces weren’t, either. Instead, same-sex marriage was subject to state law, and that, of course, changes based on location.
The different state laws regarding same-sex marriage made things especially difficult for couples who married in a state where it was legal and then moved to a state where it was illegal. This meant that to be granted a divorce, the couple would have to go through various legal procedures or visit a state that recognized same-sex marriage and divorce to dissolve the marriage there.
Same-Sex Divorce Statistics
What makes the same-sex marriage divorce rate in the US even more interesting is that the data isn’t up to date. All information is limited to the time and scope of the research. In this particular case, the 1% divorce rate statistic that is often used is from a study done in 2011 and 2014.
The data is from before same-sex marriage was legalized across the country. As a result, it might not be reflective of current trends. The data reflects only the proportion of the population who had access to same-sex marriage and divorce during that time. Whereas now the whole country has access to same-sex marriage and divorce. The divorce rate in same sex marriages around the world is not necessarily the same as in the US.
Additional research is needed on the subject, but current data suggests that the divorce rate is closer to 2%, which is the same divorce rate for heterosexual couples. Read more about the cost of a divorce.
The Future Of Same-Sex Marriage And Divorce
The future of the same-sex marriage divorce rate in the USA is hard to predict. With the legalization of same-sex marriage and divorce across the country, more people have the option to end their marriage.
Another factor that could cause more divorces in same-sex couples is the inequality in some regions of the country. Discrimination affects work, rights, finances, and other areas of life, which puts extra stress on same-sex marriages. The more stressed marriages are, the more likely they are to end in divorce.
One final factor to consider is that there are fewer marriages in general. For various reasons, more and more couples are choosing to cohabitate rather than marry. If fewer people are marrying, it could lead to fewer people getting divorced.
Only time will tell what happens to the marriage and divorce rates of same-sex couples across the county. Read more about Why A Same Sex Divorce Lawyer is Essential here.