THE UPDATED DIVORCE STATISTICS IN AUSTRALIA - Justice Family Lawyers
                     THE UPDATED 
DIVORCE STATISTICS 
https://jIusNticefa mAilylaUwyersS.comT.auRALIA
• UNDERSTANDING THE DIVORCE LAWS IN 
AUSTRALIA Topics
• THE MOST COMMON REASONS FOR DIVORCE
• THE STATE OF MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE IN 
AUSTRALIA
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UNDERSTANDING DIVORCE 
LAWS IN AUSTRALIA
In Australia, the court practises a “no-
fault" divorce process, meaning that 
partners have no responsibility to provide 
a satisfying reason for their divorce. The 
only reason they need to verify is that 
there is an irreversible breakdown of the 
marriage.
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You and your spouse should meet the following criteria to successfully file a divorce in Australia:
• You and your spouse have been living separately for at least 12 months;
• You are an Australian citizen or resident living in Australia, or
• You consider Australia as your permanent home. 
Even if you're not married in Australia, you can still apply for a divorce if the Australian court 
recognises your foreign marriage under Marriage Act 1961. You only have to present an English 
version of your marriage certificate if your original certificate is in your native language.
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THE MOST 
COMMON 
UnderstaRndiEng AwhyS otOher NcouSple s FchoOoseR to 
separate can help individuals come to terms 
DwIitVh thOeirR situCatiEon.
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Communication 
problems
Many former spouses report 
communication issues as the primary 
source of conflict, leading to an 
unpleasant environment and a feeling 
of disconnection. Miscommunication 
involves not being able to 
communicate needs, emotions and 
expectations effectively.
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Loss of 
connection
Losing touch with their former partner 
is also reported as a primary source of 
conflict. This disconnection can occur 
due to various factors, including 
physical separation caused by work or 
lifestyle changes, unresolved 
disagreements, and lack of trust.
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Infidelity or loss of 
faith
Cheating or other forms of infidelity is 
another common cause of divorce_ 
Over time, a lack of trust can lead to 
the breakdown of a relationship and 
ultimately end in divorce.
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Physical or 
emotional abuse
This is also a significant factor leading 
to the dissolution of marriages. 
Physical abuse includes hitting, 
punching or any form of violence. 
Emotional abuse involves using words 
to manipulate, threaten and cause 
fear in one's partner.
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Financial 
problems
Another common problem pointed out 
by most divorcees is economic issues. 
This could involve disagreements on 
how to spend, save or invest money. It 
can also include not agreeing on a 
budget, leading to long-term debt or 
overspending.
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THE STATE OF 
MARRIAGE AND 
DIVORCE IN 
AUSTRALIA
Last November 10, 2022, the 
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 
released the official marriage and 
divorce statistics for 2021 on their 
official website.
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According to the ABS, there were 89,164 marriages registered nationally for the reference year. The ABS stated 
that this number is below the pre-pandemic figures (113,815) but is higher than Australia's historically lowest 
number, which was 78,989 in 2020.
Marriage and Divorce Statistics in Australia
(2019-2021)
120,000
100,000
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
0
2019 2020 2021
Marriages Divorces
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Many factors affected the decline of marriage during the pandemic, such as the following:
• Restrictions on the number of people attending a public or religious ceremony,
• State border closures,
• Financial stress caused by job losses and other economic impacts of the pandemic.
The divorce rate in the country faces a sharp increase compared to the previous year's figure. In 
2021, the country recorded 56,244 divorces, a 13.6% jump from 49,510 in 2020. The Federal 
Circuit and Family Court of Australia stated that the reason behind this spike is the administrative 
changes to reduce divorce timeframes and increase finalisation.
The government department mandated this to reduce the growing backlog of divorce applications 
in the court. The changes included:
• Online lodgement of documents,
• Expedited hearing process,
• Reduced costs for filing and processing paperwork,
• Couples counselling services and support programs.
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Have Questions? 
Justice FCamoilyn Lawtyaersct:
+61 (02) 8089 3148
[email protected]
https://justicefamilylawyoemrs..acuo
m.au
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