Much like everything in society, marriage and divorce in Michigan look much different in 2024 than it did 50 or even 5 years ago.

We’re going to take a look at some interesting statistics when it comes to marriage and divorce in Michigan, and specifically in Wayne and Monroe counties. Statistics don’t tell the entire story, and there are always exceptions to rules. But the trend in marriage and divorce has changed significantly over the years.

Both Marriages and Divorces Are Less Common

One of the most stark statistics about marriage and divorce in Michigan in 2024 is that there are significantly less of both happening. Of course, it would stand to reason that less marriages would also mean less divorces, but the divorce rate is also trending down.

Attitudes toward marriage have changed in recent years, with many opting to keep legalities out of their relationships. While there are significant tax benefits to being married, many choose to forgo this in favor of a feeling of independence. Of course, ending a relationship, whether married or otherwise, does take its emotional toll, a divorce is much more complicated than a break-up. Marriage in Michigan has been on a decline since its peak in 1973, which has largely been attributed to the liberalizing of attitudes toward traditions.

Why Is the Divorce Rate Declining in Michigan?

While much of the decline in marriage can be attributed to changed attitudes, divorce is largely in decline due to more tangible reasons. More marriages in Michigan are occurring later in life, which can also be somewhat attributed to a shift in attitudes, but also a more pragmatic one. Many choose to focus on establishing themselves independently before entering into a marriage, and others are acting in response to the divorce boom in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

Divorces peaked in 1980, but the divorce rate stayed relatively stable until the late 1990’s. Many have attributed the decline to a reaction to families being broken by divorce and the children that were products of the high divorce rate looking to avoid the same circumstances.

In fact, the median age of a first-time bride in Michigan is now 27 and for a first-time groom, it’s 28. This is in contrast to 1980, when the median age for brides was 22 and for grooms it was 25. Following this trend, in 2018, 70% of marriages were first-time marriages, a record. However, in 2024, that trend has not changed, as 67% of marriages have been first-time weddings as well.

Has Gay Marriage Increased the Marriage Rate?

While there was a boom in marriages in Michigan following the legalization of same-sex marriage, this has not held. In fact, same-sex marriages make up roughly 2.6% of marriages in Michigan, and also account for about 1.9% of divorces. With progressive attitudes toward marriage and divorce, same-sex couples in Michigan are largely following the trends being seen statewide.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements Are Also On The Rise

An increase in prenuptial and postnuptial agreements has also followed the median marriage age trend. As more marriages are occurring between those that have independently established their careers and assets, these agreements are being used to safeguard assets in the event of divorce.

A full 32% of marriages in Michigan now include prenuptial agreements, and 19% have seen postnuptial agreements.

Marriage and divorce look very different in 2024. If you are considering either marriage or divorce, you may want to consult with a local family law attorney about prenuptial agreements and divorce strategy.