Orange County Divorce Rate 2025 – Latest Statistics

If you’re contemplating a divorce in Orange County, you’re certainly not alone. Each year, Orange County has one of the highest divorce rates in California. It’s important to understand information about the Orange County divorce rate, reasons it may be higher-than-average, and why you should consult an attorney.

Orange County Divorce Rate

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2022, approximately 673,989 marriages dissolved throughout the United States. In California specifically, the rate of divorce remains about 5.88 divorces per 1,000 women. This means that, when these statistics were taken, roughly six out of 1,000 women in California had gotten a divorce in the past year.

While the statewide divorce rate has declined in recent years, Orange County has a significantly higher rate. There are 580,758 married couples maintaining approximately 1.09 million households in the county. About 33 Orange County residents file for a California divorce each day. Orange County maintains one of the highest rates of divorce in our state. Understanding how to file for divorce in Orange County correctly can help avoid costly delays.

Reasons for Orange County’s High Divorce Rate

As in other California cities, divorce can be necessary for a variety of reasons. The causes most often shared include:

• Infidelity
• Disagreements over money
• Lack of emotional support
• Communication concerns
• Incompatibility

There are additional reasons why Orange County may have a higher-than-average rate of divorce, including:

• A higher cost of living. The average home value in Orange County is $1,189,994, with a median household income of $113,702. With higher property values and average salaries, it can be difficult to maintain an expensive lifestyle. The rising cost of everyday items can lead to marital tension, financial issues, and stress. Many local couples are surprised by how property values and debts get divided under California law.
• California makes divorces relatively easy with its no-fault system.
• Orange County’s standard of living. Orange County culture often brings to mind a wealthy, premium style of California living, often associated with couture and caviar. With shows like Bravo’s Real Housewives of Orange County and Netflix’s Selling Sunset filming in our neighborhoods and showcasing extreme opulence, a couple may feel pressure to invest significantly and display their wealth.
• Work difficulties. Those trying to keep up with the wealth of their neighbors may work long hours, spend significant time away from home, and find it difficult to find the right work-life balance. This can create tension within a marriage, especially if one spouse finds it challenging to leave work at their desk.
• Difficulty merging cultures. Orange County boasts a wonderfully diverse population. Yet, when people from different socioeconomic levels, races, educational backgrounds, and ethnicities are drawn together, couples may fail to account for cultural differences and set a marriage off on the wrong foot.

Regardless of the reason for needing a divorce, an experienced family law attorney can help discuss your legal options.

Consider Retaining a Divorce Attorney in Orange County, California

An experienced Orange County divorce attorney can provide reliable legal support throughout the process of filing for divorce. When you file for a dissolution of marriage, you can begin the process of divorce in California. A family law lawyer can help explain confusing terminology and advocate for your goals during the legal process.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does an Orange County Divorce Lawyer Cost?

A: Every Orange County attorney determines their own legal fees and costs, which are typically based on their experience level and the complexity of your case. Every case is unique, which means it’s difficult to estimate what your specific divorce may cost. Fees range from $500 to $1,350 per hour.

However, many attorneys can discuss their anticipated fees and costs during an initial client consultation. If you’re considering a specific attorney, discuss your financial goals for your divorce with them.

Q: Is the 10-Year Divorce Rule Valid in Orange County?

A: The 10-year divorce rule means that after 10 years of marriage, spousal support could last a lifetime.

Regardless of the length of your marriage, a family law attorney can help address your divorce goals and protect your interests. Consult a divorce attorney to discuss how the length of your marriage may impact your specific divorce.

Q: How Long Does an Orange County Divorce Take?

A: Every case is unique, and the amount of time it could take to finalize a divorce depends on many case-specific factors. However, California mandates a six-month waiting period, meaning no divorce can take less than six months. Even if you and your spouse agree on everything, the divorce will not be final until the waiting period is over. An attorney can make the entire process more efficient and help ensure you avoid mistakes that people working without a lawyer often make.

A contested case in Orange County can take from one to three years.

Q: Does Infidelity Impact a California Divorce?

A: Infidelity or any other reason you’re considering divorce does not impact the dissolution process. With California’s no-fault system, you will not need to prove that your spouse engaged in infidelity to be granted a divorce. The paperwork for an uncontested divorce can be simpler than people expect.

It’s worth speaking with a trusted divorce attorney about your divorce options. With an experienced family law attorney by your side, they can answer your questions, make arguments on your behalf, and provide reliable help.

Get Information About Your Orange County Divorce – Call Minyard Morris

At Minyard Morris, we are concerned with you and your rights during your divorce. We can negotiate a favorable divorce settlement on your behalf and fight for your interests in court, if it becomes necessary. Rest assured, Minyard Morris attorneys have extensive experience in the courtrooms of the Orange County Family Court, located at the Lamoreaux Justice Center.

For over 48 years, our attorneys have helped clients through their divorces. Our divorce attorneys routinely collaborate to discuss how we can collectively assist our clients. We brainstorm in a collaborative team setting three times a week.

As preeminent Orange County family law lawyers, we understand how to ethically and zealously represent your interests throughout the divorce process. Our Newport Beach office is located  next to the AAA automobile office, right off the 405 and 73 freeways.

Contact us to schedule an initial consultation with trusted Orange County attorneys.