Connecticut Marriage and Divorce Trends: the Economic Impact and Cultural Shifts

Over the past two decades, marriage and divorce trends in Connecticut have largely reflected the state of the economy and shifts in cultural norms. The ups and downs in both rates show just how intertwined relationships can be with economic conditions and social acceptance of marriage and divorce. In 2022, Connecticut ranked 23rd in divorce rates and 26th in marriage rates across the U.S., showing moderate activity in both areas compared to other states.

Data from the National Center for Health Statistics reveals that marriage and divorce rates in Connecticut have shifted in tandem, often influenced by financial stability and broader societal trends. Economic factors play a significant role in whether couples stay together or decide to part ways. David McGrath, a partner at the West Hartford-based law firm Louden, Katz, McGrath & Bryan, points out that economic booms and downturns are directly linked to marriage and divorce trends.

“From my experience, during economic downturns, we often see a slowdown in divorce cases. Conversely, when the economy picks up, there’s often an uptick in divorces,” McGrath explains. He attributes this to the financial freedom that economic growth brings. “Good economic times allow people to make choices, whether it’s getting married or divorced. Weddings and honeymoons are expensive, and so when people have extra money, they’re more likely to take the plunge into marriage.”

Connecticut’s marriage rates have indeed seen notable fluctuations. They hit a high of 5.9 per 1,000 residents in 2010 but dropped to 4.3 in 2020, the lowest point in two decades. By 2022, however, marriage rates rebounded, reaching 6 per 1,000 residents. Meanwhile, divorce rates have also declined over the years, falling from 3.3 per 1,000 people in 2002 to 1.6 in 2020, a 20-year low. Despite this decline, there was a slight rise to 2.8 divorces per 1,000 residents by 2022.

McGrath attributes some of these trends to changing social attitudes. “There was a time when divorce was culturally taboo, especially during the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s,” he says. “People often stayed in unhappy marriages for societal reasons that no longer apply.” McGrath suggests that the high divorce rates of the past may have been a “backlog of pent-up demand,” as individuals who previously couldn’t or wouldn’t leave their marriages eventually did once societal pressures eased. Today, divorce rates have stabilized, as those who wanted divorces have largely taken that step.

Statistics from the Connecticut Judicial Branch reveal a clear trend: over the past 20 years, divorce filings have dropped significantly. In 2002-03, Connecticut saw 13,841 divorces filed, compared to 9,698 in 2022-23—a decline of about 30%. The peak occurred in 2009-10 with 14,587 filings, but since then, the numbers have steadily decreased, particularly from 2017-18 to 2019-20, when filings dropped from 11,281 to 9,185, a significant 19% decline.

Another key influence on modern divorce trends is women’s increasing financial independence. Edward Bryan, a partner at Louden, Katz, McGrath & Bryan, highlights that rising earnings among women have provided them with the economic freedom to exit unsatisfying marriages. “The increase in women’s earnings compared to men has provided greater financial independence, allowing more women the freedom to choose divorce when necessary,” Bryan explains. This shift has made it easier for women to leave marriages without facing significant financial hardship, breaking down traditional reliance on a single income.

Alongside these changes in divorce trends, marriage rates have also shown gradual increases, especially among individuals aged 15 and over. From 2013 to 2017, the American Community Survey reported a 1.7% increase in marriages involving men and a 0.6% increase for women. Despite fluctuations, the median length of marriage in Connecticut has remained stable, averaging around 20 years, according to Census data. For first-time marriages, the average ages are 32.4 for grooms and 30.8 for brides, showing that many Connecticut residents are waiting longer to tie the knot.

Additionally, Chalumeau has observed that more affluent individuals are increasingly choosing to avoid marriage altogether, a trend linked to the desire to avoid complex financial and custodial entanglements. “There’s a noticeable trend of affluent folks deciding not to marry to avoid the challenges of merging finances,” Chalumeau says, reflecting how financial considerations impact modern relationships.

Marital conflict also remains a factor in divorce proceedings, with higher levels of conflict contributing to prolonged and more complex cases. Bryan notes that “cases with more conflict take a lot more time and resources to resolve,” as considerable effort is required to de-escalate tensions and bring cases to a conclusion.

For those navigating these complexities, a Connecticut Uncontested Divorce Lawyer can provide invaluable support. Whether couples are amicably parting ways or seeking to avoid lengthy litigation, an experienced uncontested divorce lawyer helps ensure a smoother process, offering expertise in managing the economic and emotional aspects of separation. As economic and cultural dynamics continue to evolve, such legal guidance is increasingly relevant, helping clients pursue fair and balanced resolutions in Connecticut’s changing marital landscape.