Till Death Do Us Part: How Long Does a Typical Marriage Last?

The sanctity of a marriage vow only goes as far as the two people involved are willing to keep it that way. In today’s often selfish and demanding world, this means that when the going gets tough, the tough file for divorce.

This decision is forced upon many people by circumstances beyond their control. They never planned on getting a divorce when they chose to say “I do,” and they’re not happy that they’re in this position now.

So, if no one desires a divorce, why is it so prevalent? And how long does a typical marriage last before vows are broken, and family lawyers get involved?

Statistics on Marriages in Australia

Up through 2019, when the pandemic hit the entire world and added significant stress to each home, divorce rates were already on the rise. Since then, there has been a marked reduction in marriages and an increase in divorces.

In 2020, 78,989 marriages were officially registered in the country. Compared to 2019’s more typical average of 113,815, this is a decrease of almost one-third.

Part of this was due to the quarantining restrictions and social distancing requirements, as well as travel restrictions. But this massive decrease in marriages was the largest ever recorded by the ABS since its inception in 1901, and it shows the start of a trend.

People aren’t as willing to get married to someone they may be stuck with during a lockdown.

The Expected Divorce Rates

While marriage rates are falling, divorces are rising. 2020 brought with it an increase of almost 2% in granted divorces, moving from 48,582 to 49,510.

What this means is that for every 1,000 marriages, about two will end up in divorce. However, in Australia, every divorce request isn’t always granted. More people are filing, but only 1.9 out of 2.6 are approved.

Another factor expected to change this divorce rate is Australia’s rule. Couples must be separated twelve months or longer before a divorce is granted.

The consequences of the 2020-2021 COVID quarantines and financial stress haven’t appeared yet. But they’re likely to skew the divorce rates for 2022 and 2023 significantly.

How Long Do Most Marriages Last?

The “til death do us part” line in marriage vows is more for appearances than anything in dozens of ceremonies today. The intent may be there, but the follow-through is not.

Up until the pandemic (of which we won’t know the results quite yet), the divorce rate was consistently stable. Divorce lawyers like pearsonslawyers.com.au in areas like Melbourne are still busy, even in the middle of a pandemic.

The average length a couple stays together until separation is about 8.2-8.4 years. Add another year to that before a divorce is granted, and the time to an officially recognized end to the marriage is 11.6-12.1 years.

Hanging in There, Wherever You’re At in Your Marriage

Whether you’re in the process of getting married, separated, or divorced, or you’re still in a stable relationship, if things are tough, hang in there. There will be a resolution on the other side of the mountain you’re going through, and you’ll get to the other side.

And if you’re worried about being a statistic, think about it this way. You’re a statistic whether you’re married or divorced, so don’t let this “label” affect your perception of your value. Neither a divorce nor a marriage makes you better or worse.

You are an individual worthy of being treated well. If “til death do us part” doesn’t work out for you, the only person whose opinion of your worth matters is you.