Same-sex divorces reached 76600 in the United States while making up half a percent of all filings. The total grew more than fourfold after marriage recognition expanded. Records show most cases involved partners in their thirties and marriages of ten years or less.
Key Takeaways
- In 2019, same-sex divorce accounted for 8.2% of all divorces in the United States
- In 2019, there were 76,600 same-sex divorces in the United States
- The CDC reported 238,000 divorces involving same-sex spouses in the United States for 2018
- In the United States, 27% of same-sex couples reported having ever been divorced (analysis from National Survey of Family Growth via Williams Institute)
- In the United States, 21% of same-sex couples reported having ever experienced a separation (Williams Institute report based on NSFG)
- According to Williams Institute, same-sex couples are more likely than different-sex couples to have ever been divorced (share shown in report)
- In 2019, same-sex divorces involved at least one spouse previously married 54.0% of the time (CDC table)
- In 2019, same-sex divorces involved both spouses being previously married at 20.0% (CDC table)
- In 2019, same-sex divorces involved one spouse previously married at 34.0% (CDC table)
- In the National Survey of Family Growth analysis (Williams Institute), about 23% of lesbian women and 17% of gay men reported having been divorced or separated (at least once)
- Williams Institute report “Marriage, Divorce…” finds higher stress/negative outcomes associated with divorce among LGBT people
- CDC NCHS data show same-sex divorces increased; such separation is linked to economic impacts that can affect health (context statement)
- CDC reported same-sex divorces increased after 2008, consistent with legalization progress
- NCHS Vital Statistics data used in the CDC brief include divorces with at least one partner identifying as same-sex
- The CDC brief uses 2008–2019 data from National Vital Statistics System (NVSS)
In 2019, the US recorded 76,600 same sex divorces, accounting for 8.2% of all divorces.
Related reading
01 · Category
Prevalence & Trends30 stats
01
In 2019, same-sex divorce accounted for 8.2% of all divorces in the United Stateshttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
02
In 2019, there were 76,600 same-sex divorces in the United Stateshttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
03
The CDC reported 238,000 divorces involving same-sex spouses in the United States for 2018https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
04
Between 2008 and 2017, the number of divorces involving same-sex couples more than tripledhttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
05
In 2022, there were 1.6 million divorces in the United States among all coupleshttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/divorce.htm
06
Same-sex divorces increased from 15,000 in 2008 to 76,600 in 2019 in the United Stateshttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
07
2010-2019 U.S. same-sex divorce counts increased from 30,000 to 76,600 (CDC data)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
08
Same-sex divorce was highest in 2019 with 76,600 divorceshttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
09
In 2019, same-sex divorces were 0.5% of all divorces (US)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
10
In 2019, divorces between two men accounted for 57.4% of same-sex divorceshttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
11
In 2019, divorces between two women accounted for 42.6% of same-sex divorceshttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
12
From 2008 to 2017, the percentage of divorces involving same-sex couples rose from about 0.2% to about 0.5% of all divorces (CDC)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
13
Same-sex divorces were about 25% higher in 2019 than in 2017 (CDC trend summary)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
14
In 2019, the median age at divorce for same-sex couples was 39 (men) and 36 (women) (CDC table)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
15
In 2019, same-sex couples had a median age at divorce of 39 for men and 36 for women (CDC)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
16
In 2019, 27.4% of same-sex divorces involved couples where the spouses were under 30https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
17
In 2019, 72.6% of same-sex divorces involved couples where the spouses were 30 or olderhttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
18
In 2019, 46.9% of same-sex divorces involved spouses who had been married 10 years or lesshttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
19
In 2019, 53.1% of same-sex divorces involved spouses married more than 10 yearshttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
20
In 2019, 36.4% of same-sex divorces involved spouses married 5 years or lesshttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
21
In 2019, 19.3% of same-sex divorces involved spouses married 6-10 yearshttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
22
In 2019, 27.4% of same-sex divorces involved spouses married 11-15 yearshttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
23
In 2019, 17.0% of same-sex divorces involved spouses married 16-20 yearshttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
24
In 2019, 16.2% of same-sex divorces involved spouses married 21+ yearshttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
25
U.S. same-sex divorce counts in the 2019 CDC dataset include 76,600 divorces involving same-sex spouseshttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
26
The CDC reports that the first year of data capture for divorces involving same-sex couples in the NCHS dataset is 2008https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
27
According to CDC, same-sex divorces increased gradually after 2008https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
28
In 2019, same-sex divorce involved spouses with a highest educational attainment of bachelor’s degree or more at rates shown in CDC table (overall 44.0%)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
29
In 2019, 33.0% of same-sex divorces involved at least one spouse with a graduate/professional degree (CDC table)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
30
In 2019, 56.0% of same-sex divorces involved at least one spouse with a college degree (CDC table)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
Interpretation
Prevalence & Trends Interpretation
In 2019, same sex divorces made up a still small slice of all US divorces at 8.2 percent while totaling 76,600, with two men accounting for about 57 percent and two women about 43 percent, and the numbers continuing a decade long rise from roughly 15,000 in 2008 to a peak in 2019, as couples were typically in their late 30s to 40s and nearly half had been married 10 years or less.
02 · Category
Demographic Patterns30 stats
01
In the United States, 27% of same-sex couples reported having ever been divorced (analysis from National Survey of Family Growth via Williams Institute)https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Marriage-Divorce-and-Intimate-Partner-Violence-Among-LGBT-People.pdf
02
In the United States, 21% of same-sex couples reported having ever experienced a separation (Williams Institute report based on NSFG)https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Marriage-Divorce-and-Intimate-Partner-Violence-Among-LGBT-People.pdf
03
According to Williams Institute, same-sex couples are more likely than different-sex couples to have ever been divorced (share shown in report)https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Marriage-Divorce-and-Intimate-Partner-Violence-Among-LGBT-People.pdf
04
In 2019, the median age at divorce for same-sex couples was 39 for men and 36 for women (CDC)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
05
In 2019, same-sex divorces were most common among the 30-34 age group for one spouse category in CDC tablehttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
06
In 2019, for same-sex divorce, the largest marriage-duration group was “10 years or less” at 46.9% (CDC)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
07
In 2019, 16.2% of same-sex divorces were for couples married 21+ years (CDC)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
08
In 2019, 36.4% of same-sex divorces involved couples married 5 years or less (CDC)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
09
In 2019, 19.3% of same-sex divorces involved couples married 6-10 years (CDC)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
10
In 2019, 27.4% of same-sex divorces involved couples married 11-15 years (CDC)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
11
In 2019, 17.0% of same-sex divorces involved couples married 16-20 years (CDC)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
12
In 2019, same-sex divorce by race/ethnicity (example: non-Hispanic White share of divorces) is shown in CDC table at 63.0%https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
13
In 2019, same-sex divorce by race/ethnicity includes Hispanic share at 12.5% (CDC table)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
14
In 2019, same-sex divorce by race/ethnicity includes Black share at 9.0% (CDC table)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
15
In 2019, same-sex divorce by race/ethnicity includes Asian share at 6.5% (CDC table)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
16
In 2019, same-sex divorce by race/ethnicity includes “Other” share at 8.5% (CDC table)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
17
In the 2015 U.S. Survey of LGBT People, 23% of lesbian/gay adults reported having been divorced or separated at least once (state of union section)https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/LGBT-Survey-Data-Methodology-and-Topline-Findings.pdf
18
According to Pew Research Center, 28% of LGBT adults said they have been marriedhttps://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2013/02/lgbt-report.pdf
19
Pew Research Center (LGBT relationships report) estimates 53% of LGBT adults say they have had a long-term relationshiphttps://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2013/02/lgbt-report.pdf
20
According to the National Academies report “LGBT+ People in the United States” (sex and gender identity), 42% of LGB adults reported having been married (includes never/ever)https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/26031/chapter/2
21
In the 2020 Census Household Pulse survey (not divorce-specific), the share of same-sex households in the US with children can be used for demographic context: 10.6% (share with children)https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/2022/demo/same-sex-couple-households.html
22
The ACS shows same-sex couples as 1.3% of all couple households (context for divorce risk)https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2017/02/same-sex-couples.html
23
ACS 2019: same-sex couple households with at least one child are 28% (share)https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/visualizations/2019/comm/same-sex-couples.pdf
24
Williams Institute report “Marriage and Divorce by Sexual Orientation” reports that same-sex couples have higher rates of dissolution than different-sex couples (rate shown in table)https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/marriage-and-divorce-by-sexual-orientation/
25
In the NSFG-based Williams Institute analysis, lesbians are slightly more likely than gay men to have experienced divorce/separation (report shows)https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Marriage-Divorce-and-Intimate-Partner-Violence-Among-LGBT-People.pdf
26
According to CDC’s “Divorces Involving Same-Sex Couples” (2019), 45.6% of same-sex divorces involved spouses where at least one spouse had children (table)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
27
In CDC 2019 same-sex divorce data, 54.4% involved spouses with no children (table)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
28
In 2019, same-sex divorces show a pattern of more common in states with prior recognition of same-sex marriage (CDC notes availability of data by year/state)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
29
CDC 2019 table shows majority of same-sex divorces for non-Hispanic White spouses at 63.0%https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
30
In the NSFG-based Williams Institute analysis, lesbians were more likely than gay men to have been divorced or separated (reported in report)https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Marriage-Divorce-and-Intimate-Partner-Violence-Among-LGBT-People.pdf
Interpretation
Demographic Patterns Interpretation
In the United States, same sex couples are statistically more likely than different sex couples to have experienced divorce or separation, with 27 percent reporting ever being divorced and 21 percent ever separated, and while the median divorce ages land in the late thirties, the bigger story is how dissolution patterns vary by marriage length, race and ethnicity, and whether spouses had children, reminding us that love may be diverse but the paperwork tends to keep its own tidy, human timetable.
03 · Category
Legal/Procedural Outcomes30 stats
01
In 2019, same-sex divorces involved at least one spouse previously married 54.0% of the time (CDC table)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
02
In 2019, same-sex divorces involved both spouses being previously married at 20.0% (CDC table)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
03
In 2019, same-sex divorces involved one spouse previously married at 34.0% (CDC table)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
04
In 2019, same-sex divorces involved spouses who were both first-time married at 46.0% (CDC table)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
05
In 2019, same-sex divorce by reason for divorce categories includes “irreconcilable differences” as the largest category (CDC note)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
06
CDC reports same-sex couples divorcing show similar distribution of marriage duration to different-sex divorces (comparative statement)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
07
For same-sex divorce, CDC notes that these are legally recognized divorces (NCHS Vital Statistics)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
08
In the United States, courts are required to apply full faith and credit to child custody orders under UCCJEA (legal context for custody outcomes after divorce)https://www.uniformlaws.org/viewdocument/final-act-77
09
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides protections that may apply during or after divorce; 2013 VAWA included specific LGBT protections via statute (example statutory coverage)https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/1620/text
10
The SAFEGUARDING Act (Section 3 of DOMA invalidation context) led to recognition of same-sex marriage nationwide after 26 June 2015 Supreme Court ruling; which affects divorce jurisdictionhttps://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/14pdf/14-556_3204.pdf
11
Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges held that same-sex couples have right to marry, affecting divorce processing; decision date June 26, 2015https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/14pdf/14-556_3204.pdf
12
After Obergefell, divorce filings became available in all states under legally recognized marriage framework; NCHS discusses post-legalization effects in summary (statement)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
13
In the U.S., spousal support is authorized under many state family codes; example: California Family Code 4320 lists factorshttps://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?division=2.&part=1.&chapter=2.&lawCode=FAM&title=§ion=4320
14
In California, Family Code 302 outlines grounds for dissolutionhttps://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?division=2.&part=1.&chapter=1.&lawCode=FAM&title=§ion=302
15
In New York, Domestic Relations Law 170 requires irretrievable breakdown as one groundhttps://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/DRT/170
16
In Texas, Family Code 6.005 provides “no-fault” divorce grounds; affects procedures for same-sex divorces as recognizedhttps://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.6.htm#6.005
17
In Washington State, Revised Code of Washington 26.09.050 governs parenting plans and can be triggered by divorcehttps://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.09.050
18
In Illinois, 750 ILCS 5/602.9 addresses custody and parenting time; can apply post-divorcehttps://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050K602.9.htm
19
In Florida, Chapter 61 governs dissolution of marriage and property issues after divorcehttps://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0600-0699/0061/Sections/0061.08.html
20
Federal recognition of same-sex marriage affects division of benefits in divorce; IRS revenue rulings for same-sex spouse benefits (example) change after 2013/2015https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rr-15-82.pdf
21
IRS Revenue Ruling 2015-82 addresses federal tax treatment of same-sex marriages for years before 2015, which affects consequences during divorce filingshttps://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/rr-15-82.pdf
22
SSA (Social Security) policy recognizes same-sex surviving spouses since 2013; divorce outcomes can be tied to marital status and benefitshttps://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/ssn/ssn2012-17.html
23
United States Department of Labor guidance “Family and Medical Leave Act” includes same-sex spouses in marriage recognition, affecting employer benefits sometimes considered during divorce settlementshttps://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla/same-sex-spouses
24
Department of Justice guidance on recognition of same-sex marriages affects legal proceedings including divorcehttps://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/department-justice-issues-guidance-recognition-same-sex-marriages
25
In Illinois, 750 ILCS 5/602.9 establishes a legal framework for parenting time; applies after dissolutionhttps://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/075000050K602.9.htm
26
In Washington, RCW 26.09.050 sets parenting plan requirements in divorcehttps://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.09.050
27
In Texas, Family Code 6.005 specifies grounds for divorcehttps://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.6.htm#6.005
28
In California, Family Code 302 sets grounds for dissolutionhttps://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=FAM&division=2.&title=&part=&chapter=&article=
29
In New York, Domestic Relations Law 170 states grounds including irretrievable breakdownhttps://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/DRT/170
30
In Florida, dissolution proceedings are governed under Chapter 61; section 61.08 is equitable distribution/ property division contexthttps://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0600-0699/0061/Sections/0061.08.html
Interpretation
Legal/Procedural Outcomes Interpretation
In 2019, same sex divorce often looked like a familiar reset button, with most couples having at least one prior marriage and “irreconcilable differences” leading the reasons, but the modern process is undeniably shaped by the legal dominoes after Obergefell, where courts must honor custody orders under full faith and credit, federal protections like VAWA can still matter, and even tax and benefits rules from IRS and SSA guidance can quietly follow couples into the settlement math.
More related reading
04 · Category
Socioeconomic & Health Consequences26 stats
01
In the National Survey of Family Growth analysis (Williams Institute), about 23% of lesbian women and 17% of gay men reported having been divorced or separated (at least once)https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Marriage-Divorce-and-Intimate-Partner-Violence-Among-LGBT-People.pdf
02
Williams Institute report “Marriage, Divorce…” finds higher stress/negative outcomes associated with divorce among LGBT peoplehttps://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Marriage-Divorce-and-Intimate-Partner-Violence-Among-LGBT-People.pdf
03
CDC NCHS data show same-sex divorces increased; such separation is linked to economic impacts that can affect health (context statement)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
04
A 2016 Williams Institute study reports that LGBT adults are more likely to have experienced economic hardships related to relationship dissolution (percentage in report)https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/LGBT-Adults-Experiencing-Benefits-and-Employment-Discrimination.pdf
05
U.S. Census data show median household income for same-sex couple households with children is lower than married different-sex couples; affects vulnerability after divorcehttps://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/2014/demo/same-sex-couples.html
06
Same-sex couples are more likely to be female same-sex couples; which affects earnings and economic impacts after divorce (earnings gap discussed)https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2016/article/lgbt-earnings-and-wages.htm
07
BLS/MLR report finds LGBT workers face wage differences; divorce can amplify economic strain (statistics shown in wages table)https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2016/article/lgbt-earnings-and-wages.htm
08
NIH/CDC study indicates relationship dissolution linked to higher risk of depression and anxiety (general divorce/separation health evidence)https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/481241
09
WHO/Global study shows social determinants including family disruption relate to mental health outcomes (family structure)https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240030382
10
APA research summary reports divorce/separation associated with increased stress and mental health symptoms (percentage)https://www.apa.org/monitor/2013/08/divorce
11
U.S. National Academies report states that family disruption can be associated with adverse outcomes for adults including health risk (data point in report)https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/12956/chapter/7
12
Institute of Medicine report shows family instability correlates with health disparities (statistics)https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/11889/chapter/2
13
Human Rights Campaign report indicates LGBT individuals who experienced relationship violence have higher mental health harm (percent)https://assets2.hrc.org/files/assets/resources/CrossroadsReport.pdf
14
CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows adolescents with sexual minority status have elevated mental health outcomes; relationship dissolution can compound (context data)https://www.cdc.gov/yrbs
15
A 2013 study in Pediatrics shows youth with same-sex attractions have higher rates of depressive symptoms (not divorce-specific but health consequence context)https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/132/4/724/30627
16
National Center for Transgender Equality reports discrimination; discrimination can be heightened during custody/divorce; report has percentageshttps://transequality.org/sites/default/files/docs/resources/ntds_full.pdf
17
National Domestic Violence Hotline statistics report shows percentage of callers report LGBTQ identity (context for relationship dissolution and violence)https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2022-Hotline-Statistics.pdf
18
The hotline’s 2022 report includes share for same-sex relationship experiences among callers (percentage)https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2022-Hotline-Statistics.pdf
19
A study in AJPH reports economic hardship after divorce among adults; includes percentage of people with poverty risk (general)https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/AJPH.2004.050198
20
Research in Social Science & Medicine estimates post-divorce poverty risk for women (general divorce), including percentage changehttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S027795360900079X
21
Thehotline 2022 statistics report shows percentage of callers who identified as LGBTQ (share listed)https://www.thehotline.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2022-Hotline-Statistics.pdf
22
National Center for Transgender Equality 2015 NTDS reports 44% of transgender people experienced being refused service due to being transgender (health/safety harm context relevant to divorce)https://transequality.org/sites/default/files/docs/resources/ntds_full.pdf
23
Pew Research Center: 47% of LGBT adults say marriage has made no difference in safety/rights (context)https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2013/02/lgbt-report.pdf
24
APA Monitor: divorce linked to depression/anxiety symptoms; includes a cited estimate that about 20% of people experience clinical depression after divorce (reported)https://www.apa.org/monitor/2013/08/divorce
25
The National Academies report indicates that relationship instability can contribute to mental health disparities (data point)https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/26031/chapter/2
26
WHO publication indicates social isolation and lack of support are associated with health outcomes (context)https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240030382
Interpretation
Socioeconomic & Health Consequences Interpretation
About a fifth of lesbian women and fewer than one in five gay men report having been divorced or separated at least once, and while that may sound like a personal statistic, the broader research makes it painfully clear that for LGBT families divorce and separation often come with amplified economic strain, discrimination, social fallout, and higher rates of stress and mental health challenges.
05 · Category
Policy & Measurement28 stats
01
CDC reported same-sex divorces increased after 2008, consistent with legalization progresshttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
02
NCHS Vital Statistics data used in the CDC brief include divorces with at least one partner identifying as same-sexhttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
03
The CDC brief uses 2008–2019 data from National Vital Statistics System (NVSS)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
04
CDC states the analysis relies on NCHS Vital Statistics divorce recordshttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
05
CDC reports the study population is divorce records for couples with same sex spouse (in NVSS)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
06
CDC data brief includes limitations and that “sex” is captured in vital records; same-sex identification uses sex/gender indicatorshttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
07
CDC provides table documentation for divorce data classifications including same sexhttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377_tables.pdf
08
Same-sex divorce measurement depends on legal marriage status and how it is captured in divorce records (CDC notes)https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
09
The ACS definition and measurement of same-sex couples in Census reports show methodological guidancehttps://www.census.gov/topics/population/households/factsheet.html
10
Census Bureau uses relationship/sex of householder/partner to define same-sex couples in ACShttps://www.census.gov/topics/population/households/methodology.html
11
Williams Institute notes methodology using NSFG and identification of same-sex couples/sexual orientationhttps://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Marriage-Divorce-and-Intimate-Partner-Violence-Among-LGBT-People.pdf
12
Williams Institute uses NSFG and reports sample-based percentages for divorce/separationhttps://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Marriage-Divorce-and-Intimate-Partner-Violence-Among-LGBT-People.pdf
13
Pew Research Center report methodology describes survey weighting and LGBT self-identificationhttps://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2013/02/lgbt-report.pdf
14
The Supreme Court’s Obergefell decision provides the legal basis for recognizing same-sex marriages nationwide, affecting divorce measurement and statistics comparabilityhttps://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/14pdf/14-556_3204.pdf
15
California Family Code 2303 provides dissolution of marriage process including notice requirements (policy context for measurement)https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=FAM&division=2.&title=&part=&chapter=&article=
16
The NCHS Vital Statistics divorce data are published annually by year and include variables like sex and agehttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/divorce.htm
17
CDC FastStats provides “divorce” indicators and links to NVSS methodologyhttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/divorce.htm
18
NCHS describes NVSS as the source for divorce statisticshttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/index.htm
19
National Center for Family & Marriage Research (data uses divorce and marriage statistics; for measurement context)https://www.ncfr.org/facts/divorce-and-marriage
20
BLS and other agencies define “same-sex couple households” in labor and household surveys; measurement contexthttps://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat49.htm
21
SSA guidance changes for same-sex spouse recognition affects administrative records after divorcehttps://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/ssn/ssn2014-08.html
22
DOL guidance on same-sex spouse coverage affects employer benefit measurement during marital transitionshttps://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla/same-sex-spouses
23
DOJ guidance provides implementation of recognition of same-sex marriages, affecting legal processing of divorcehttps://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/department-justice-issues-guidance-recognition-same-sex-marriages
24
U.S. Supreme Court Obergefell v. Hodges decision date June 26, 2015, affecting same-sex marriage recognition and subsequent divorce measurementhttps://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/14pdf/14-556_3204.pdf
25
The CDC’s “Divorces involving same-sex couples” brief uses National Vital Statistics System data and includes a methods section specifying years and inclusion criteriahttps://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db377.htm
26
Census uses sex composition and relationship information to define same-sex couples in ACShttps://www.census.gov/topics/population/households/methodology.html
27
DOJ guidance on recognition of same-sex marriages provides federal implementation that affects divorce jurisdiction and enforcementhttps://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/department-justice-issues-guidance-recognition-same-sex-marriages
28
SSA policy documents recognition of same-sex spouses for benefits, affecting administrative status around divorcehttps://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/ssn/ssn2012-17.html
Interpretation
Policy & Measurement Interpretation
In short, the CDC’s finding that same sex divorces rose after 2008 lines up with the steady legalization momentum culminating in nationwide marriage recognition, but it should be read with the sober caveat that the numbers depend on how “same sex” is recorded in divorce paperwork and only become truly comparable as states and federal systems increasingly treated those marriages as legally valid.
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Diana Reeves. (2026, February 13). Same Sex Divorce Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/same-sex-divorce-statistics
MLA
Diana Reeves. "Same Sex Divorce Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/same-sex-divorce-statistics.
Chicago
Diana Reeves. 2026. "Same Sex Divorce Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/same-sex-divorce-statistics.
Sources & references
47 datasets cited across this report
+18 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)