Average Time to Remarry After Divorce: A Detailed Analysis
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Remarrying after divorce is common, but how long does it take? On average, most divorced individuals remarry within 4 years, though factors like age, finances, and emotional readiness influence the timeline. Nearly 4 out of 5 divorced people remarry.
Key Insights
Gray divorce is becoming more common; just 13% of divorces involved adults 65+ in 1970, but by 2019, it grew to 25%.
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Nearly 4 out of 5 divorced individuals remarry at some point, showing that most people give marriage another try.
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The average time to remarry after divorce is just under 4 years, though individual timelines vary based on personal and financial factors.
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Men are more likely to remarry than women, with a remarriage rate of 31.5 per 1,000 men compared to 19.4 per 1,000 women in 2019.
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Women over 50 experience a 45% drop in their standard of living after divorce, while men see a 21% decline.
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The Growing Late-Life Divorce Rate
Divorce isn’t just for younger couples anymore. Over the last few decades, more seniors have chosen to end their first marriage. This trend is known as gray divorce.
Back in 1970, only 13% of divorces involved adults 65 and older. Fast forward to 2019, and that number jumped to 25%. That means 1 in 4 divorces now happen among seniors. The chart below shows what percentage of divorcees remarry.
Why Are More Seniors Divorcing?
There are a few big reasons behind this shift:
- Longer lifespans – People are living longer, and many want more fulfilling relationships in their later years. In 1960, the average life expectancy was just 52.5 years. Today, it’s 72. With more years ahead, many seniors reconsider what they want from their relationships, leading to an increase in second marriages as they seek companionship and happiness in later life.
- Pursuit of Independence – Divorce can be financially tough, especially for seniors. Women over 50 face a 45% drop in their standard of living; men see a 21% decline. Many worry about finances and loneliness, but others find freedom, happiness, and independence. For some, a new relationship offers a fresh start, while others embrace a single life after their first marriage, making the trade-off worth it despite the challenges.
- Changing Social Norms – Divorce is no longer as stigmatized as it once was. What was once seen as a shameful last resort is now considered a personal choice for happiness and fulfillment. More seniors feel empowered to leave unhappy marriages, knowing they won’t face the same societal judgment their parents’ generation did.
How Long Does It Take to Remarry After Divorce?
After a divorce, people react differently to the idea of marriage. Some swear off remarriage entirely, while others change their minds when they meet the right person. Some remarry quickly because they had already met someone new before the divorce was finalized.
Despite the challenges of divorce, most people do give marriage another try. In fact, nearly 4 out of 5 divorced individuals remarry at some point. However, the time it takes to walk down the aisle again varies. The average time to remarry depends on various factors, including personal readiness, emotional healing, and financial stability, much like the timeline for those who remarry after the death of spouse.
- The average time to remarry a new spouse is just under 4 years.
- Some people take longer, choosing to focus on healing, finances, or personal growth before considering marriage again.
- Others remarry sooner, often because they find a new partner early on or feel ready to commit again.
Ultimately, while statistics provide a general idea, what truly matters is whether it’s the right time and the right person for you.
Waiting Periods to Remarry After Divorce in Different States
In some states, divorced individuals must wait a specific period before they can legally remarry. These waiting periods are designed to allow time for appeals, financial settlements, and emotional adjustment before entering into a new marriage. While many states no longer enforce such waiting periods, some still do.
Below is a list of states with required waiting periods for remarriage after divorce:
These waiting periods vary by state and may be waived in some cases with court approval. If you’re considering remarriage, it’s important to check your state’s specific laws to avoid legal complications.
Men Are More Likely to Remarry After Divorce
When it comes to remarriage after divorce, men are far more likely to tie the knot again than women. In 2019, the remarriage rate for men was 31.5 per 1,000 eligible men, while for women, it was significantly lower at 19.4 per 1,000.
This gap has been consistent over time, and although remarriage rates have declined for both genders, men still remarry at a higher rate. Since 2008, remarriage rates for men have dropped by 28%, while for women, the decline has been 23%.
Men may be more likely to remarry because of the health benefits of marriage. A 2019 Harvard study found that married men tend to live longer, have better heart health, and recover faster from chronic illnesses like cancer. Marriage offers emotional and social support, which may explain why men are more inclined to seek a second partnership after divorce.
For women, however, remarriage rates remain lower, often due to increased independence, financial security, and a greater focus on personal fulfillment rather than re-entering married life.
Many need time to heal emotionally and rebuild their lives before considering another commitment. Additionally, navigating relationships with stepchildren and adjusting to the role of a stepparent can make the second time more complicated, leading some to prioritize stability over a new marriage.
How Divorce Impacts Retirement and Financial Planning
Divorce can significantly reshape retirement plans, especially for seniors who have spent decades building their financial future with a spouse.
Dividing Retirement Assets
One of the biggest financial challenges in the divorce process is splitting retirement savings. Assets such as 401(k)s, IRAs, and pensions are often divided between both spouses, which can reduce the total savings available for retirement.
In some cases, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is required to properly transfer retirement funds without penalties. A family law attorney can help navigate asset division and ensure fair support payments are arranged, especially when one spouse was financially dependent during the previous marriage.
Adjusting to a Single Income
Divorced individuals must adjust to managing expenses on their own, which can be difficult for those who rely on their spouse’s income or benefits. Women over 50 experience a 45% drop in their standard of living after divorce, while men see a 21% decline.
This financial setback may require delaying retirement, downsizing, or finding additional income sources. Consulting a law firm during divorce proceedings can help individuals navigate asset division, child support, spousal support, and long-term financial planning.
Social Security and Alimony Considerations
For those who were married for 10 years or longer, an ex-spouse may be eligible for Social Security benefits based on their former spouse’s earnings without reducing the other person’s benefits. For example, a common formula in California is 40% of the high earner’s net income minus 50% of the low earner’s net income.
Alimony can also provide financial support, but it varies based on state laws, income levels, and marriage length. According to Custody Xchange, alimony payments range from $0 to $1,381 per month, with a median of $465.
Bottom Line
Divorce later in life is becoming more common, with gray divorce rising from 13% in 1970 to 25% in 2019. While many take time to heal, nearly 4 out of 5 divorced individuals remarry, with the average wait being just under 4 years.
Men are more likely to remarry than women, and financial challenges, like a 45% drop in living standards for divorced women over 50, make matchmaking a complex decision. Whether choosing to remarry or remain single, understanding waiting periods, financial impacts, child support, and divorce statistics can help divorced seniors navigate this new chapter with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Nearly 4 out of 5 divorced individuals remarry at some point, though remarriage rates decline with age. While many people over 50 do remarry, women in this age group often face lower remarriage rates than men.
Remarriage becomes less common after 60, particularly for women. Men are more likely to remarry, with a remarriage rate of 31.5 per 1,000 men compared to 19.4 per 1,000 women in 2019. Financial and emotional factors also influence the decision to remarry at this stage.
Remarriage after 70 is relatively rare, but it still happens. As gray divorce is becoming more common, some individuals do seek remarriage or companionship later in life.
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