Divorce Trends in Michigan: What the Data Shows

A common belief holds that half of all marriages end in divorce, although that figure might be misleading. See this study from the University of Michigan, for example. But have you ever wondered why people get divorced, how divorce rates differ among different segments of the population, or how broad societal factors affect individual decisions? For answers to that, you must look deeper into the data on Michigan divorce statistics.

What Percentage of Marriages End in Divorce in Michigan?

Scientists and statisticians typically do not express divorce rates as percentages, as these figures can be misleading and are difficult to apply across populations. Therefore, researchers usually look at the number of divorces per 1,000 people in a given county or state in a 12-month period.

By that metric, the divorce rate in Michigan is anywhere from 2.3 to 12.89 divorces per 1,000 people per year. The rates vary depending on the source used.

For example, data from CDC researchers says the figure is 2.3 divorces per 1,000 people in a 12-month period. The Census Bureau reports a figure of 6.2 divorces per 1,000 people, while state researchers estimate the figure to be 4.1. The outlier on the high end is a study from Bowling Green State University, which states that Michigan’s divorce rate is 12.89 per 1,000 people.

What accounts for these discrepancies? Different data sources and research methods account for much of the variation. For example, the Bowling Green and Census Bureau studies both specify that the rates are for every 1,000 married women. Given that same-sex marriage became legal relatively recently, focusing on women instead of the entire population might skew the data to some degree.

Different researchers also use varying data sources to calculate their figures. For instance, state researchers have access to county records that federal agencies, such as the Census Bureau, may not. The Census Bureau used data from its annual American Community Survey for its research, while the CDC relied on data from the National Vital Statistics System.

What Is the Leading Cause of Divorce?

Every marriage is different, which means the reasons for divorce vary widely among couples.

That said, researchers have identified some common factors in many divorces, such as:

• Lack of commitment – When one or both spouses stop putting effort into the relationship, the bond typically weakens over time, often leading to divorce.
• Infidelity or extramarital affairs – An affair is a profound betrayal that can cause severe emotional pain and make it difficult for couples to repair their relationship.
• Too much conflict and arguing – Constant disagreements can erode communication, respect, and emotional connection between married partners, leading to long-term resentment.
• Getting married too young – Younger couples may lack the maturity or life experience to handle the challenges of a long-term partnership.
• Financial problems – Struggles with money, whether due to debt, unemployment, or spending habits, often create stress and tension in a marriage.
• Substance abuse – Alcohol or drug addiction can lead to broken trust, unsafe behavior, and emotional distance, all of which erode the foundation of a marriage.
• Domestic violence – Physical, emotional, or psychological abuse can make a marriage unsafe and unsustainable.
• Health problems – Chronic illness or injury can strain relationships, especially when one spouse becomes a long-term caregiver.
• Lack of support from family – Disapproval or interference from relatives adds pressure and conflict to marriages.

Who Initiates Divorces the Most?

Research on which partner most often initiates a divorce is ongoing, but some studies indicate that wives usually start the legal process.

The American Sociological Association notes that about 69 percent of previously married women initiated their divorce, compared with 31 percent of men. However, researchers note that among non-married couples, men and women are equally likely to initiate a breakup.

What Is the Gray Divorce Trend?

The “gray divorce” trend refers to the recent surge in divorces among older adults, particularly those 65 and older.

Purdue University reports that the divorce rate among people 65 and older in 2022 was 15 percent, or triple what it was in the 1990s. The surge in older adult divorces comes as divorce rates and marriage rates have mainly been down across the U.S. in recent decades.

How COVID-19 and the Economy Impacted Divorce in Michigan

Researchers continue to study the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting economic instability on divorce and marriage rates. However, some intriguing early findings have emerged.

For example, the state reports that the overall divorce rate in Michigan dropped from 5.2 divorces per 1,000 people in 2019 (the last year before the pandemic) to 4.1 in 2023. There was a brief surge from 4.2 divorces per 1,000 people in 2020 (the height of the pandemic) to 4.5 in 2021, suggesting prolonged quarantine or other effects of the pandemic drove many couples to split.

However, the rate dropped to below pre-pandemic levels in the next couple of years. The early research suggests that fewer couples are willing to risk the uncertainty and stress of getting divorced, perhaps because they are less confident about their financial futures and prefer the stability of remaining with their existing partners.

What the Future Looks Like: Emerging Divorce Trends in Michigan

While predicting the future is always risky in terms of Michigan divorce statistics, it is possible to make some educated guesses based on the available data.

For instance, the trend of older couples getting divorced seems likely to continue. Divorces among adults 65 and older have spiked nationwide in recent years, and data from the state shows that the divorce rate among people ages 45 and older is close to the rate for people ages 25-34, though there is some discrepancy in the rates among men vs. women.

Another trend to watch is the lower marriage rate among couples of all ages in Michigan and nationwide. The lack of a formal marriage relationship can cause legal problems for couples when the relationship ends, regardless of the gender or sexuality of those in the relationship.

Finally, prenuptial agreements are becoming much more common, particularly among millennials and younger generations. When legal and enforceable, these agreements can have a considerable effect on divorce proceedings.

Talk to a Michigan Divorce Attorney Who Understands the Trends

Kraayeveld Family Law knows that behind every trend are real people going through real challenges. An experienced attorney can be your best ally as you embark on your life’s next stage.

Call (616) 383-2679 now or complete our contact form for a consultation with a divorce attorney from our law firm. Our office is conveniently located at 990 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Feel free to visit us for a case evaluation!