Montana has a relatively low divorce rate compared to many other states. The crude divorce rate is about 2.0 to 2.3 divorces per 1,000 residents. Measured per 1,000 married women, the rate is around 11.7, placing Montana in the bottom quartile nationally. This indicates that marriages in the state are generally more stable. So, in Montana, happily ever after seems slightly more than just a rumor.
In Montana, the median length of marriage is about 22.1 years, including both ongoing and ended marriages. This ranks Montana among the states with the longest-lasting marriages in the U.S. So, couples here either really love each other – or they’re just stubborn.
| Age Group (Years) | U.S. Divorce Rate per 1,000 Married Women (2021) | Key National Trend Observations | Montana Overall Crude Divorce Rate (Recent Estimates) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15-24 | 19.7 | Highest Rate. Young age at marriage is the most significant national risk factor. | 2.3 per 1,000 total population (2021 estimate) |
| 25-34 | 16.3 | High rate, though declining among Millennials and Gen Z who marry later. | (Among the lowest rates in the U.S.) |
| 35-44 | 14.9 | Marriages that last around the national median duration often end in divorce for individuals in this age bracket. | |
| 45-54 | 14.1 | Rate is stable and lower than younger groups. | |
| 55-64 | 11.8 | Part of the “Gray Divorce” trend; this rate has risen significantly since 1990. | |
| 65 and older | 5.5 | Lowest rate, but fastest-growing demographic for divorce since 1990. |
Divorce Rate in Montana in 2025
- Low Refined Divorce Rate. Despite a high marriage rate, Montana consistently ranks among the states with the lowest refined divorce rates. In 2024, roughly 11.7 women per 1,000 married women divorced, well below the national average.
- High Marriage Rate. Montana has one of the highest marriage rates in the U.S. (~9.2 per 1,000 residents). Clearly, everyone’s rushing to the altar but rarely rushing back to court.
- The “Proxy Marriage” Factor. Historically, Montana allowed “double proxy marriages,” where neither party needed to be present. This inflated marriage statistics and created unusual demographics in the married population.
- Pure No-Fault State. Divorce requires only an “irretrievable breakdown” of the marriage, determined by 180+ days of separation or serious marital discord. Apparently, no one has to blame anyone – it’s all just irretrievably broken, how convenient.
- Minimal Mandatory Waiting Period. Judges can issue a final divorce decree just 21 days after service of the petition if all issues are resolved.
- Low Residency Requirement. Filing requires only 90 days of Montana residency prior to the petition. Come for a weekend, leave married, and divorce? Montana’s got you covered.
- Fault Is Irrelevant to the Decree. Mentioning fault (e.g., adultery or extreme cruelty) is optional and generally irrelevant to property division, though it may impact child custody.
- Equitable Distribution. Marital assets and debts are divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50. Courts consider factors like marriage duration and each spouse’s financial situation.
Divorce Rate in Montana in 2024
- Low Refined Divorce Rate. Montana reported one of the lowest refined divorce rates in the country: about 11.7 women divorcing per 1,000 married women, well below the national average of 14.2.
- Low Crude Divorce Rate. The crude divorce rate was estimated at 2.3 per 1,000 residents, under the national rate of 2.5. So yes, people in Montana manage to get married and stay married – shockingly stable for the Wild West.
- Western Outlier for Stability. While most Western states have moderate to high divorce rates, Montana ranks in the bottom quartile for marital dissolution.
- Pure No-Fault Ground. Divorce requires only an “irretrievable breakdown” of the marriage. Apparently, blame is optional – just check “irretrievably broken” and move on.
- Two Ways to Show Breakdown
- The couple has lived separate and apart for at least 180 days (six months), or
- Serious marital discord negatively affects one spouse’s attitude toward the marriage.
- Extremely Short Mandatory Waiting Period. Judges can issue a final divorce decree as soon as 21 days after service. Blink and you might miss the whole divorce process.
- Automatic Economic Restraining Order. Upon filing, the court prevents either party from transferring or hiding marital property, ensuring finances are protected during the process.
- Short Residency Requirement. Filing requires only 90 days of Montana residency. Minor children generally must reside in Montana for six months to meet UCCJEA rules.
Divorce Rate in Montana in 2023
- Low Refined Divorce Rate. Montana had one of the lowest refined divorce rates in the Western U.S. in 2023, with about 11.7 women divorcing per 1,000 married women. This places it in the bottom quartile nationally, indicating relatively high marital stability.
- High Marriage Rate. Despite the low divorce rate, Montana has a high marriage rate (~9.9 per 1,000 residents in 2022). Apparently, Montanans love weddings almost as much as they love staying married.
- Shortest Mandatory Waiting Period. Judges can issue a final divorce decree (Dissolution of Marriage) after just 21 days from service or joint filing.
- Pure No-Fault State. Divorce only requires the marriage to be “irretrievably broken”; no proof of adultery, cruelty, or other fault is needed. Why bother assigning blame when you can just call it irretrievable and move on?
- 90-Day Residency Requirement. Filing requires only 90 days of Montana residency immediately before petitioning.
- Fault Remains Irrelevant for Property (HB 237 Failed). A 2023 bill attempting to consider abuse or adultery in property division or alimony failed. Financial outcomes generally ignore marital misconduct. Because apparently, bad behavior doesn’t pay – literally.
- Equitable Apportionment (Equitable Distribution). Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily 50/50, though equal splits are common. Courts consider factors like the marriage’s duration and each spouse’s financial situation.