Marriage and Divorce Facts & Research
Every year since 1970, there has been one divorce for every two marriages.(source)
- In 2007 in Florida, there were 157,610 marriages and 86,367 divorces. (source)
- In 80% of cases today, one spouse does not want the divorce. (source)
- A 2008 study estimates the annual taxpayer cost of family fragmentation at $112 billion a year nationally. (source)
- Roughly 2/3 of poor children live in single-parent homes. Each year, government spends over $250 billion for means-tested welfare benefits for single parents. (source)
Coalition for Divorce Reform
A website is designed to increase awareness of the negative impact of divorce, and encourage discussion and debate about the effect of divorce on our culture, as well as the cost to taxpayers. n article about the need for and success of marriage education.
The Overwhelming Evidence that Marriage Education Works
An article about the need for and success of marriage education.
Maggie Gallagher: The Impact of No-fault Divorce on Divorce Rates
A 29 page study that looks at all the empirical research since 1995 that examines the impact of no-fault divorce laws on divorce rates in the United States and in other nations.
Grounds for Divorce in Florida
A brief segment of the law outlining the grounds for divorce in Florida.
Reducing Poverty by Revitalizing Marriage in Low-Income Communities
A letter to President Barack Obama about the importance of marriage in the fight to end poverty.
Heritage Foundation, January 13, 2009
Additional in depth resources and research
American Beliefs That Weaken Marriage
By Glenn T. Stanton
The attached FocusFamilyINSIGHT by Glenn Stanton of Focus on the Family is a very concise but brilliant summary of the leading attitudes, beliefs, social and technological developments that have impacted marriage for the worse in the past 50 years. It takes both a current as well as recent historic view because it is imperative we understand the larger, longer story. And as you read this, keep in mind that not all of these developments are bad in themselves, by it is important for us to recognize how they've impacted marriage.
Making A Case for Premarital Education
By Scott M. Stanley
This article advances the argument that engaging in broadly applied premarital education efforts can reduce marital distress and divorce. Using a combination of rational argument and empirical findings, four key benefits of premarital education are discussed.
Community-Based Premarital Prevention: Clergy and Lay Leaders on the Front Lines
By Scott M. Stanley
This study reports on the results of the dissemination of an empirically-based, premarital education program within religious organizations.