Divorce Industry Statistics
By Bedbible Research Center / August 11, 2023
Welcome to a comprehensive exploration into the vast and complex world of the divorce industry, brought to you by the Bedbible Research Center. Our study unveils the industry’s true size, now a staggering $55 billion market, and its profound impact on society.
We’ve meticulously analyzed data from various national and international databases, cross-referencing our findings with peer-reviewed research papers to ensure utmost accuracy. This study is more than just statistics; it’s a deep dive into the real cost of divorce, its trends, and its future.
Join us as we unravel the story behind the numbers in this authoritative and exciting journey into the divorce industry. Let’s discover together.
To gain full access to the dataset please contact: researchcenter@bedbible.com. We kindly ask that you reference this article when using facts, data, or statistics from the dataset.
Key statistics
- The divorce industry is worth $55 billion.
- The average divorce cost $43,941.
- The market size for the divorce law market is growing +8% YoY.
- The average hourly rate for divorce lawyers in the United States is $270 per hour.
- The divorce industry has grown x5 in the past 20 years.
- The online search for “divorce lawyer” has increased by +50% since 2004.
- The number of divorces has stayed roughly the same in the past 20 years.
- The average cost per divorce is $38,175.
- 67% hire lawyers for their divorce.
- There is a new divorce every 36 seconds.
- 50% of Marriages End in Divorce.
- A divorce with children is on average 30-40% more expensive than one without.
- The average cost per divorce has increased by almost $30,000+ in the past +22 years.
- Legal services for divorces make up 6.1% of the total $901.8 billion market size for legal services.
The size of the divorce industry
The total divorce industry involves not only attorneys and legal fees paid for filing a divorce. During litigation, negotiation, and trial a lot of different professions are used such as mental health professionals, accountants, and other expert witnesses.
| Year | Industry size | Divorces & annulments | Rate per 1000 | US Capita | Cost per divorce |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | $11 billion | 1,157,834 | 4.1 | 282,398,554 | $9,500 |
| 2001 | $14 billion | 1,141,882 | 4 | 285,470,493 | $12,260 |
| 2002 | $15 billion | 1,124,566 | 3.9 | 288,350,252 | $13,338 |
| 2003 | $17 billion | 1,106,217 | 3.8 | 291,109,820 | $15,367 |
| 2004 | $16 billion | 1,087,607 | 3.7 | 293,947,885 | $14,711 |
| 2005 | $15 billion | 1,068,634 | 3.6 | 296,842,670 | $14,036 |
| 2006 | $18 billion | 1,109,086 | 3.7 | 299,753,098 | $16,229 |
| 2007 | $19 billion | 1,089,876 | 3.6 | 302,743,399 | $17,433 |
| 2008 | $17 billion | 1,069,932 | 3.5 | 305,694,910 | $15,931 |
| 2009 | $20 billion | 1,079,792 | 3.5 | 308,512,035 | $18,269 |
| 2010 | $22 billion | 1,120,258 | 3.6 | 311,182,845 | $20,003 |
| 2011 | $25 billion | 1,129,956 | 3.6 | 313,876,608 | $22,205 |
| 2012 | $28 billion | 1,076,614 | 3.4 | 316,651,321 | $26,007 |
| 2013 | $31 billion | 1,053,938 | 3.3 | 319,375,166 | $29,413 |
| 2014 | $32 billion | 1,030,509 | 3.2 | 322,033,964 | $31,052 |
| 2015 | $38 billion | 1,006,284 | 3.1 | 324,607,776 | $37,762 |
| 2016 | $37 billion | 981,631 | 3 | 327,210,198 | $37,692 |
| 2017 | $39 billion | 956,395 | 2.9 | 329,791,231 | $40,778 |
| 2018 | $45 billion | 963,206 | 2.9 | 332,140,037 | $46,718 |
| 2019 | $47 billion | 1,069,823 | 3.2 | 334,319,671 | $43,932 |
| 2020 | $42 billion | 1,142,203 | 3.4 | 335,942,003 | $36,771 |
| 2021 | $51 billion | 1,213,191 | 3.6 | 336,997,624 | $42,037 |
| 2022 | $55 billion | 1,251,672 | 3.7 | 338,289,857 | $43,941 |
| 2023* | $54 billion | 1,189,988 | 3.5 | 339,996,563 | $45,378 |
| 2024* | $53 billion | 1,261,387 | 3.5 | 360,396,357 | $42,017 |
| 2025* | $54 billion | 1,337,070 | 3.5 | 382,020,138 | $40,386 |
| 2026* | $52 billion | 1,430,665 | 3.5 | 408,761,548 | $36,346 |
| 2027* | $56 billion | 1,487,892 | 3.5 | 425,112,010 | $37,637 |
| 2028* | $59 billion | 1,547,408 | 3.5 | 442,116,490 | $38,128 |
| 2029* | $63 billion | 1,655,726 | 3.5 | 473,064,644 | $38,049 |
| 2030* | $67 billion | 1,755,070 | 3.5 | 501,448,523 | $38,175 |
Comparatively, Americans spend more money on suing ex-partners than they do on books, dairy cows and milk, bread and bakery products, building aircraft engines and parts, veterinary care, heavy trucks, or drilling oil and gas wells:
- Americans spent $39 billion on books
- Americans spent $38 billion on dairy cows and milk
- Americans spent $36 billion on bread and other bakery products
- Americans spent $36 billion on building aircraft engines and parts
- Americans spent $30 billion on veterinary care
- Americans spent $30 billion on manufacturing heavy trucks
- Americans spent $29 billion on drilling oil and gas wells.
Divorce Rate by Profession
Understanding the divorce rate by profession can provide unique insights into the stressors and challenges faced by different occupational groups. While it’s important to remember that correlation does not imply causation, these statistics can still offer a fascinating perspective.
High-Stress Professions
Jobs with high-stress levels, long hours, and unpredictable schedules often see higher divorce rates. These may include:
- Healthcare Professionals: Doctors, nurses, and paramedics often work long, irregular hours and deal with high-stress situations, which can strain a marriage.
- Law Enforcement: Police officers and other law enforcement professionals face high-stress situations and irregular schedules, contributing to higher divorce rates.
- Service Industry Workers: Bartenders, flight attendants, and others in the service industry often work non-traditional hours and face unique stressors that can impact their personal lives.
Lower Divorce Rates
On the other hand, professions that tend to have more regular hours and lower stress levels often see lower divorce rates. These may include:
- Scientists: Scientists often enjoy more regular work schedules and intellectually stimulating work environments, which can contribute to lower divorce rates.
- Software Developers: The tech industry often provides flexible work schedules and high salaries, which can reduce financial stress and contribute to lower divorce rates.
- Physical Therapists: Physical therapists often have regular work hours and the rewarding aspect of helping patients recover can contribute to lower divorce rates.
How Many Marriages End in Divorce
The question of how many marriages end in divorce is a complex one, with the answer varying depending on the region, demographics, and time period considered. However, it’s a crucial statistic that helps us understand the dynamics of modern relationships and societal trends.
In the United States, it’s often stated that approximately 50% of all marriages end in divorce. However, this figure is a rough estimate and the actual rate can vary. More recent studies suggest that the divorce rate has been declining over the past few decades and is currently closer to 39%.
It’s important to note that this rate can fluctuate based on various factors. For instance, the divorce rate is typically higher among those who marry at a very young age, among those with lower income levels, and among those who didn’t finish high school. Conversely, the divorce rate is typically lower among people who marry later in life, among those with higher income levels, and among those with a college education.
Moreover, the divorce rate can also vary significantly from one country to another. For example, countries in the European Union tend to have lower divorce rates compared to the United States, while the divorce rate in Russia is notably higher.
In conclusion, while it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact figure, it’s clear that a significant portion of marriages do end in divorce. This underscores the importance of providing resources and support for couples to navigate the challenges of marriage and, if necessary, the divorce process.
Divorce Rate by Country
The divorce rate varies significantly from one country to another, influenced by a myriad of factors including cultural norms, legal procedures, socio-economic conditions, and societal attitudes towards marriage and divorce.
For instance, European countries like Belgium and Portugal have historically reported high divorce rates. This could be attributed to more liberal societal attitudes towards divorce and more straightforward legal procedures.
On the other hand, countries in the Middle East and North Africa, such as Jordan and Tunisia, typically report lower divorce rates. This could be due to cultural norms that place a high value on marital stability and the societal stigma associated with divorce.
In some countries, the divorce rate has been increasing over time. This is often the case in countries undergoing rapid socio-economic changes, where traditional values are being challenged, and women’s rights are improving.
However, in other countries, the divorce rate has been decreasing or remaining stable. This could be due to efforts to support families, changes in societal attitudes towards marriage, or economic factors that make divorce less feasible.
It’s important to note that the divorce rate alone does not provide a complete picture of marital stability in a country. Other factors, such as the average age of marriage, the prevalence of cohabitation, and the birth rate, also play a crucial role.
Search interest for a “divorce lawyer” online since 2004
Other facts
- 59% of divorced people report that they regret not being more financially independent in their marriage.
- The divorce rate was 15.8 per 1,000 people.
- The emotional toll of divorce can be significant. Divorce is the second most stressful life event, after the death of a spouse or child.
- In addition to legal and financial services, the divorce industry also includes services such as counseling, therapy, and support groups. The cost of therapy for divorce-related issues can range from $75 to $200 per session, depending on the therapist’s location and qualifications.
What did we look at?
“Divorce industry” is a broad term. By itself, it might not provide the most accurate and common understanding of what we are specifically referring to.
To be more specific; when we talk about the divorce industry market size we are referring to the revenue generated through legal services provided to parties in or surrounding a divorce. That includes litigation, paper drafting, filing fees, and other legal services for divorcees.
The divorce industry comprises lawyers, paralegals, mediators, therapists, financial advisors, and other professionals who help individuals navigate divorce’s legal, emotional, and economic complexities. These professionals charge fees for their services, and the cost of divorce can quickly add up, depending on the complexity of the case.
What is driving the market growth?
One of the most significant factors driving the growth of the divorce industry is the increasing rate of divorce. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 50% of marriages end in divorce in the United States. This has led to a surge in demand for legal and other divorce-related services.
Another factor contributing to the growth of the divorce industry is the complexity of divorce cases. Divorces involve dividing assets, determining custody arrangements, and establishing child support and alimony payments. These issues can be highly contested and require the services of legal and financial experts.
A third factor contributing to the growth of the divorce industry is the increasing rate of divorces that required litigation and legal action.
A fourth factor is an increase in the fees for the legal services provided to couples who are looking to get a divorce.
The fourth factor is mainly driven by an increase in the hourly rate of divorce lawyers. But it is also occurring due to the rising complexities of divorce cases.
Rediscovering Intimacy: A Journey with Sex Toys
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