When you read about divorce and divorce rates online, chances are you’re reading about something very general (on a nation, or even global scale) or something from another state that doesn’t have anything to do with Michigan. So we thought we’d put together a few interesting facts and statistics about divorce in Michigan for you. But beware – these may surprise you!

Facts about divorce in Michigan:

• Divorce rates in Michigan are, surprisingly, lower than in the rest of the United States as a whole. Then again, so are the marriage rates. Over the last ten years, Michigan has seen a steady decline in it’s marriage rates (except 2015, which saw a slight increase in marriages!) Several experts have said is because people’s perspectives on marriage are changing.

• Michigan’s divorce rate has almost doubled since the introduction of the no-fault divorce law in 1973. But whether the new law’s “easy divorce” has made people take vows less seriously, (as some people believe is the case) or whether it is simply a reflection of widespread social change, no one is completely sure.

• While divorce rates have doubled since 1973, they’ve actually been pretty constant for the last 20 years, with no marked increase or decline in failed marriages here in the mitten state during that time period.

• The average age at which Michigan women get married for the first time is 27, whereas it’s 41 for the second tie, and 48 for the third time. Men in Michigan tend to get married for the first time at age 25, for the second time at 37, and for the third time at 43.

• The rate of marriage and divorce changes from county to county (most likely due to population density). For example, in 2015 in Oakland County, 7,264 people got married and 3,470 people got divorced. That same year in Wayne County 7,823 people got married and 4,262 got divorced. So Oakland County had a 47.8% divorce rate, while Wayne County had a divorce rate of 54.4%.

• Using the same year’s data for child custody, we know that only 500 Michigan men were awarded custody of a single child when they got divorced, and 371 men were awarded custody of two children. On the flip side of that coin, 2,919 women were awarded custody of one child, and 2,266 were awarded custody of two children.

• Current data shows that Michigan couple’s first marriages tend to last about ten and a half years before they get divorced. Second marriages are usually over even sooner.

Many people get divorced. You are not alone.

If you or a loved one are considering divorce, know that you’re not alone. Many people have already survived the process and gone on to live happier and more fulfilled lives, and many more will do so in the coming years. If you are ready to end an unhappy marriage and pursue a better future, come and talk to our helpful divorce attorneys at The Kronzek Firm. We are available 24/7 at 866 766 5245.