Call Us Today!
Over the past six decades, marriage and divorce rates in the United States have undergone substantial changes. When considering teenagers, it is relatively rare for them to marry; the increasing rates of divorce in this age group present a concerning issue across the nation.
The statistics surrounding teenage divorce are not just numbers—they reflect the complex interplay of emotional, social, and economic factors. Various elements can contribute to such high rates, from family background influences to communication breakdowns.
Teenage marriages in the USA have a notably higher likelihood of ending in divorce compared to those who marry at later ages. Statistics reveal a 45% risk of divorce among couples marrying as teenagers. [1]
Nevertheless, the divorce rate for Gen Z (ages 15 to 24) has seen a significant decline of approximately 40%, dropping from 47 to 27 divorces per 1,000 individuals. [2]
Young age at first marriage is associated with a high risk of divorce.
The research shows that people who get married before they turn 20 have a 32% likelihood of getting divorced in the first five years of marriage. [3]
Teenage Marriage Divorce Risk:
Gen Z Divorce Rate Decline:
Early Divorce Likelihood:
Factors Influencing Teenage Divorce Rates:
Despite these risks, the overall U.S. divorce rate has decreased over the past two decades, driven partly by declining marriage rates and higher educational levels among women.
The teenage divorce rate differs by sex, with females more often initiating divorces than males. This is linked to factors like emotional maturity, marital instability, and self-worth awareness. Young women are more likely to voice relationship dissatisfaction, prompting them to seek separation.
On the other hand, young men may display a different approach, often delaying decisions about divorce until they feel more prepared emotionally or financially.
Teenage marriages, involving individuals aged 19 or younger, frequently culminate in divorce. Young adults of this age exhibit a notably higher divorce rate compared to those who marry later in life. Factors such as lack of commitment, inadequate economic security, and limited educational attainment contribute to the fragile nature of these marriages.
Teenage divorce can have profound and lasting consequences on the individuals involved, often affecting their emotional, mental, and social well-being. Young people who experience divorce may struggle with feelings of abandonment, depression, and anxiety, which can lead to a detrimental impact on their self-esteem and overall happiness.
The social repercussions of divorce may cause teenagers to feel isolated or alienated from their peers, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and hindering their ability to form and maintain healthy relationships.
Contact Sacks & Sacks divorce lawyer today for a free consultation regarding divorce and get the personalized legal guidance you need.
Sources:
[1] MyShortlister, & Bojkovska, V. (2021, July 12). 60+ divorce statistics in the U.S. Shortlister. https://www.myshortlister.com/insights/divorce-statistics
[2] Age variation in the divorce rate, 1990 & 2021. (n.d.). Bowling Green State University. https://www.bgsu.edu/ncfmr/resources/data/family-profiles/westrick-payne-lin-age-variation-divorce-rate-1990-2021-fp-23-16.html
[3] Want to avoid divorce? Wait to get married, but not too long. (n.d.). Institute for Family Studies. https://ifstudies.org/blog/want-to-avoid-divorce-wait-to-get-married-but-not-too-long
Sacks & Sacks Law — 2025 All Right Reserved
