Divorce Trends in Orange County: What the Numbers Reveal About Marriage in 2025
In 2025, more couples than ever before are deciding to end their marriages, especially later in life. But what’s making so many people want to split up? Let’s take a closer look at the numbers and find out what’s really going on with divorce in Orange County. By learning about the trends and reasons behind this increase, you might just find some answers for your own situation.
Whether you’re on the brink of divorce or just starting to question your marriage, our Irvine family law attorneys are here to help. At RM Law Group, LLP, we know that life doesn’t always work out the way we plan, and sometimes you need a fresh start. Call us today and let’s work together to get you through this chapter of your life.
Are Divorce Filings on the Rise?
According to data, an average of 33 people file for divorce every single day in Orange County. That’s over 12,000 divorce filings per year in the OC alone. Statewide, the California Department of Public Health – Vital Records shows a similar upward trend in divorces over the past decade.
While divorce rates have climbed across all age groups, the increase is most notable among older adults. Data from the Orange County Health Care Agency reveals that the highest percentage of divorces in Orange County is among 60-64 year-olds, with 22.6% of women and 14.4% of men in this age bracket filing for divorce. Empty nest syndrome, retirement, and changing life priorities may contribute to this “gray divorce” phenomenon.
How OC Compares to the Rest of CA and the U.S.
So how does Orange County stack up against the rest of California and the nation when it comes to divorce? A review of statewide and national data suggests that the OC has a higher divorce rate compared to many other counties in California.
Roughly 10% of all divorces in California occur in Orange County, even though the OC accounts for only 8% of the state’s total population, based on data from the California Department of Finance. Nationwide, the divorce rate is around 2.7 per 1,000 population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In Orange County, that rate is notably higher at roughly 3.0 divorces per 1,000 residents.
Reasons Behind the Rising Divorce Rate
So why are more people, especially older couples who have been married for a long time, deciding to get divorced? Our family lawyers in Orange County think there might be a few reasons:
- People are living longer, which means more years in marriages that aren’t happy
- Divorce doesn’t have as bad a reputation as it used to
- Couples may feel lost when their kids grow up and move out of the house
- As people get older, they might have different goals, interests, and values in life
- Couples can build up anger and grow distant over time
- Living in Orange County is expensive, which can put stress on a marriage
On top of that, the COVID-19 pandemic put a lot of strain on already crumbling marriages. Some divorces that started in 2020-21 are still being finished in 2025 because the courts have a backlog. For marriages that were already having problems, the pandemic might have been the last straw.
Divorce at any age unleashes a whirlwind of emotions along with legal and financial challenges. Whether you’re facing divorce after a 30-year marriage or a 3-year marriage, it’s critical to have proper support and expert guidance to protect your well-being.
More Divorce Trends in California
Here are some other divorce trends happening in California and across the country:
- More Older Couples Splitting Up: “Gray divorce” is when couples over 50 decide to end their marriages. This is happening more and more in California and all over the country. People are living longer, and the way society thinks about divorce is changing.
- Fighting Over Alimony: California’s alimony laws have been a hot topic lately. Some people want to change the rules to limit how much and how long someone has to pay spousal support. These talks might lead to changes by 2026.
- Divorce Insurance: Some companies are starting to offer divorce insurance to help pay for the costs of a split. This isn’t too common yet, but it might catch on in California by 2026 as more people look for ways to protect their money.
- Pet Custody Battles: In 2019, California became the first state to recognize pets as more than just property in a divorce. Judges can now consider the animal’s best interests when deciding who gets custody of Fido or Fluffy. So, if you’re fighting over the family dog, you might have to prove you’re the better pet parent.
- Divorce Parties: Believe it or not, divorce parties are a thing in California. Some newly single folks choose to celebrate their newfound freedom with a bash, complete with divorce cakes, “just divorced” banners, and even gift registries.
Contact Our Irvine Divorce Lawyers Today
Divorce is tough, but you don’t have to face it by yourself. At RM Law Group, LLP, our caring Orange County divorce attorneys are here to walk beside you every step of the way. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and give you the support you need to make the best choices for your future.
Take the first step today by setting up a private meeting with us. We’ll sit down with you, hear what’s going on, and answer all your questions. We’re here to make things easier for you during this hard time.
Don’t keep dealing with the stress and worry of divorce on your own. Call RM Law Group, LLP today at 949-561-1520 for a free consultation or fill out our confidential contact form.
Jason Martinez is a co-founding partner of RM Law Group, LLP. His practice focuses exclusively on California Family Law and community property division, including litigation and settlement of complex and high-conflict divorce and child custody proceedings. Jason understands that divorce and family law issues have long-term effects on all family members, especially the children.
