Gay couple divorce rates

This study uses state administrative data to assess rates of relationship dissolution among same-sex couples in eight states that offer marriage or other forms of legal recognition. Now that same-sex couples have the ability to marry or enter some other form of legal relationship in many states, we also see that couples sometimes dissolved those legal relationships.

Administrative data from two states shows that same-sex couples end their marriages at a rate of 1. This rate is slightly lower than the annual rate of divorce among married different-sex couples. States that offer legal recognition to same-sex couples vary in how recognized couples can dissolve their legal relationships.

Where marriage is allowed, same-sex couples can end their relationships through divorce. In the case of marriage-like statuses, such as civil unions and broad domestic partnerships, couples must generally go through a dissolution proceeding similar to a divorce. For limited recognition statuses, couples can usually terminate their relationship by filing a notice of dissolution with the state.

Administrative agencies in some states maintain records of divorces and terminations by same-sex couples.

Patterns of Relationship Recognition for Same-Sex Couples: Divorce and Terminations

In earlythe Williams Institute collected administrative data on marriages, civil unions, and domestic partnerships of same-sex couples in the 23 states that offered these statuses at the time data rate began. Two states provided data on divorces: New Hampshire and Vermont. Six states provided data on civil union and domestic partnership terminations: California, D.

The table presents data collected from New Hampshire and Vermont and shows that a total of 5. That corresponds to an average rate of 1. Analyses of data on the dissolution of civil unions and domestic partnerships also find lower overall rates when compared to the rate of divorce among different-sex couples. The average dissolution rate for non-marital relationships was 1.

Download the fact sheet. The U. That couple was applied to the total U. The total number of divorces was divided by the total number of marriages to determine the divorce rate of different-sex married couples. To calculate average divorce rates, we divided the total dissolution rate by the number of years for which we had data.

Previously, the status had provided for only limited, enumerated rights. The bill conferred all of the benefits and burdens of marriage on domestic partners, including community property rights and other financial obligations. Gay change went into effect on January 1, Had the law not changed the scope of domestic partnership in the state, the total number of dissolutions in California may have been much smaller.

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