Each family law matter is unique. People get married for different reasons, and their family circumstances will necessitate different arrangements following a divorce. State laws related to marriage and divorce leave a lot of room for interpretation so that they can fairly apply to as many family situations as possible.
Although one divorce may be very different from another, there are still certain finds that are worth noting. Those who understand Oklahoma divorce statistics may be in a better position to make decisions that protect themselves when dealing with some kind of marital conflict.
Overall, divorce rates are lower than in years past
Tracking the rate at which people get married and divorced, as well as the average number of children a family has, can help set more effective legal and social policies. In recent years, social scientists have noted a marked decline in both marriage rates and divorce rates. Researchers have also noted that the average age of marriage has increased, as has the rate of couples seeking divorce later in life, often after decades of marriage.
Oklahoma is not an exception to this trend. The current divorce rate in Oklahoma, based on 2020 statistics, is 3.5 divorces per 1,000 residents. Although that may seem high, it is a significant drop from the divorce rate in 1990, when there were 7.7 divorces for every 1,000 people in the state.
However, Oklahoma does currently have the second-highest divorce rate in the country. The state shares second place with Idaho. The only state with a higher divorce rate is Nevada.
Are there any other noteworthy divorce trends?
An increased number of families in Oklahoma now pursue alternative dispute resolution to keep their divorce proceedings more private and less expensive than they would be if the couple litigated their disagreements.
It has also become more common for couples to execute marital agreements to facilitate uncontested divorces if their marriage ends in divorce rather than in death. Couples have started to recognize that cooperating during divorce rather than fighting tooth and nail can be the better approach, regardless of how intense emotions become.
Understanding trends related to divorce and similar family law matters can help those facing marital challenges plan the best path forward.