New Jersey consistently ranks among the states with the lowest divorce rates in the U.S. The crude divorce rate is about 2.2 to 2.7 divorces per 1,000 residents. Measured per 1,000 married women, the rate is roughly 11.0, placing it in the bottom five nationally. This indicates that marriages in New Jersey are generally more stable than in most states. So, in New Jersey, saying “I do” seems to actually mean something – who knew?
In New Jersey, the median length of marriage is just over 20 years. This means half of all marriages last longer and half shorter, reflecting relatively stable unions. So, in New Jersey, couples get about two decades before considering whether “happily ever after” needs a renewal.
| Age Group (Years) | U.S. Divorce Rate per 1,000 Married Women (2021) | Key National Trend Observations | New Jersey Overall Divorce Rate (Recent Estimates) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15-24 | 19.7 | Highest Rate. Divorce is most likely for those who marry young nationally. | 10.4 per 1,000 married women (Refined Rate, 2022) |
| 25-34 | 16.3 | High rate, though declining for younger generations due to later marriage. | 2.2 per 1,000 total population (Crude Rate, 2022) |
| 35-44 | 14.9 | Marriages that last around the median duration often place individuals in this age bracket for their divorce. | Median Age at Divorce: Women: 42; Men: 45 |
| 45-54 | 14.1 | Rate is stable and lower than younger groups. | |
| 55-64 | 11.8 | Part of the “Gray Divorce” trend; the rate for this group has risen significantly since 1990. | |
| 65 and older | 5.5 | Lowest rate, but fastest-growing demographic for divorce since 1990. |
Divorce Rate in New Jersey in 2025
- Low Divorce Rate: New Jersey consistently ranks among the states with the lowest crude divorce rates in the U.S., around 2.2 divorces per 1,000 residents. High income, education, and delayed marriages likely play a role.
- Low Marriage Rate: Fewer marriages naturally mean fewer divorces. Because apparently, less commitment equals less paperwork.
- Hybrid Grounds: Most divorces use the no-fault ground of “Irreconcilable Differences” (minimum six months), but fault grounds like adultery, extreme cruelty, or 12 months of desertion are still allowed.
- Equitable Distribution: Marital property and debts are divided fairly – not necessarily 50/50 – based on factors like marriage length, age, health, and standard of living. Fair, because who doesn’t love a little court discretion?
- Marital Property: All assets and debts acquired during the marriage count, regardless of whose name is on the title.
- Residency Requirement: At least one spouse must have lived in New Jersey for one year before filing, except for adultery cases. A minor inconvenience for those in a hurry to split.
- Women Initiate Most Divorces: About two-thirds of divorce filings are initiated by women, reflecting national trends.
Divorce Rate in New Jersey in 2024
- Low Divorce Rate: New Jersey ranks among the states with the lowest refined divorce rates – about 11 divorces per 1,000 married women, below the national average of 14.2.
- Delayed Marriages: High median ages at first marriage (≈31.5 for men, 30.3 for women) contribute to marital stability. Fewer young marriages, fewer divorces – because apparently patience is a virtue in paperwork too.
- No-Fault Dominates: Most divorces cite “irreconcilable differences,” requiring at least six months of marital discord.
- Hybrid Grounds Remain: Fault-based divorces (adultery, extreme cruelty) are rare but can bypass the one-year residency rule. A convenient loophole for the particularly spiteful.
- Equitable Distribution: Marital assets and debts are divided fairly, but not automatically 50/50, considering factors like marriage length and contributions of each spouse.
- Mediation Focus: Courts encourage settlement via panels and mediation programs to reduce litigation. Because who doesn’t love negotiating marital finances instead of arguing in court?
- Alimony Reform: Legislative debates continue on spousal support, including potential limits on permanent alimony and clearer guidelines based on marriage duration.
- Digital Complexity: Increasing use of cryptocurrency, digital evidence, and forensic accountants reflects the tech-savvy twists in modern divorces.
Divorce Rate in New Jersey in 2023
- Low Crude Divorce Rate: About 2.7 divorces per 1,000 residents, below the national average (≈3.2 per some reports, 2.5 per CDC). New Jersey ranks in the bottom third of states for divorce.
- Lowest in the Northeast: The state boasts the lowest divorce rate in the region. Because nothing says “marital bliss” like commuting hell and sky-high property taxes.
- Average Marriage Duration: Marriages that end in divorce last roughly eight years, matching the national trend of peak divorces around 7–10 years.
- Dual-Grounds State: New Jersey allows both no-fault (“Irreconcilable Differences”) and fault-based divorces (e.g., adultery, extreme cruelty). So yes, you can still drag your spouse through court for drama’s sake.
- Fault and Financial Division: Proving fault rarely affects property division or child support. Only in rare cases affecting marital finances does it influence alimony.
- Permanent Alimony: Long-term marriages may still see “Open Durational” alimony awards. Because apparently, some things never die… including your monthly payment obligations.