New statistics on marriage and divorce

We are all touched in some way by relationships, starting and ending.  On 27 November 2018 thereleased the following statistics, which are of interest:

  • A total of 3,149 same-sex weddings were held in Australia between 9 December 2017, when amendments to the Marriage Act 1961 came into effect, and 30 June 2018.
  • The median age at marriage for male same-sex couples as at 30 June 2018 was 48.5 years of age, compared to 39.0 years of age for female same-sex couples.
  • There were 112,954 marriages registered in Australia in 2017, a 4.7% (5,447) decrease on marriages registered in 2016.  Whilst the number of registered marriages has slowly declined over time, the number of de facto relationships voluntarily registered is growing on an annual basis. There were 14,626 relationships registered in 2017, over double the number registered only 5 years ago in 2013 (7,281).  It is not possible to register de facto relationships in Northern Territory or Western Australia. 
  • In 2017, there were 49,032 divorces granted in Australia, an increase of 2,428 (5.0%) from the 46,604 divorces granted in 2016.   The median age of males at divorce was 45.5 years of age and 42.9 years of age for females.
  • The median age at marriage in 2017 was 32.0 years of age for males, and for females, 30.1 years of age. This is the first time the median age at marriage for females exceeded 30 years of age.

Does this accord with your anecdotal experience?

Liability limited by a scheme approved under the Professional Standard Legislation

Share this article

Contact Us