Biggest Myths About Divorce That People Still Believe
Divorce comes with paperwork, emotions, and—maybe most annoying of all—bad information. Old beliefs get recycled through TV shows or outdated advice, and somehow they still shape how people think today. But the reality of modern divorce looks pretty different from what the stereotypes suggest.
Here are common myths about divorce that continue to stick.
Half Of All Marriages End In Divorce
Credit: pexels
The 50% number came from trends in the 1970s and ‘80s, when divorce rates were climbing. In recent decades, the trend reversed. Couples marrying since the 1990s are divorcing at much lower rates. People are marrying later, which helps, and research suggests nearly two-thirds of modern marriages stay intact.
Living Together First Prevents Divorce
Credit: pexels
Cohabitation doesn’t automatically help or hurt a marriage. What matters more is age. Research by sociologist Arielle Kuperberg found that couples who moved in too young—before age 23—were more likely to divorce later. Maturity, financial stability, and communication habits matter far more than just sharing an address.
You Can’t Divorce Without Your Spouse’s Consent
Credit: pexels
Thanks to “no-fault” divorce laws, one person is enough to end the marriage. If a spouse doesn’t agree, the process might feel more complicated emotionally, but legally, their refusal can’t stop it. In the U.S. and the U.K., consent from both parties isn’t required.
Mothers Always Get The Kids
Credit: pexels
This idea came from older family models where moms stayed home and dads worked full-time. That’s changed. Courts now focus on the child’s best interests. Shared parenting is more common, and the law considers both parents’ involvement and stability. In many cases, time is split in ways that reflect real-life schedules.
Second Marriages Are Doomed
Credit: pexels
Statistics often show second marriages have higher divorce rates, but that doesn’t mean they’re destined to fail. Many second-time couples bring more clarity and maturity into the relationship. Also, newer relationship models like Living Apart Together (LAT) give people more flexibility.
Divorce Is Always Expensive
Credit: Canva
A simple divorce handled without court battles can cost less than $600 in court fees. Costs spike when things get messy, especially around money or child custody. Mediation, collaborative law, or shared legal services can keep expenses down. Some governments even offer subsidies for mediation sessions.
Cheating Always Ends a Marriage
Credit: Getty Images
Infidelity often gets the blame, but it’s not always the dealbreaker. Some couples recover and rebuild trust. Others had deeper issues long before the affair. Sociologist Eric Anderson argues that rigid expectations around exclusivity, more than the act itself, often cause the breakup.
Pre-Nups Don’t Count In Court
Credit: Canva
Pre-nups are not legally binding in every country, but courts do take them seriously if they meet certain standards. This includes full financial disclosure, no pressure at signing, and independent legal advice. If it’s signed too close to the wedding, that could be a red flag. But done correctly, a prenup influences divorce.
Everything Gets Split 50/50
Credit: Getty Images
The law considers factors like each person’s income and caregiving roles. If one spouse can’t support themselves financially or gives up a career to raise kids, they may get a larger share. Courts aim for fairness, not symmetry, and that can lead to unequal but reasonable outcomes.
You Must Prove Someone’s At Fault
Credit: pexels
This used to be true. Couples had to accuse each other of wrongdoing—adultery, abandonment, or cruelty in order to get a divorce. But now, in many places, no-fault divorce is the standard. Saying the marriage has broken down is enough. This shift helps couples avoid blame games and encourages a cleaner, less hostile separation process.
Big Weddings Mean Strong Marriages
Credit: pexels
A 2015 study from Emory University found the opposite. Couples who spent less on their weddings had lower divorce rates. Huge weddings can lead to debt, which causes stress early in marriage. Shared values and realistic expectations do far more to support a relationship than how many guests danced at the reception.
If You’re Unhappy Now, Divorce Is Inevitable
Credit: pexels
Rough patches are part of long-term relationships. Feeling unhappy at times doesn’t mean the end is coming. Many couples hit low points and recover, especially with help like counseling. Therapist Susan Pease Gadoua recommends trying consistent therapy over several months before making final decisions.
Unmarried Couples Have The Same Rights
Credit: pexels
Living together for years doesn’t make a couple “common-law” married in most states. Property laws don’t treat cohabiting partners the same way they do married ones. Without legal agreements, someone might walk away with nothing, regardless of how long they lived together or how much they contributed.
Divorce Means Cutting All Financial Ties
Credit: Canva
Without a separate financial settlement or “clean break” order, one spouse could make a claim years later. This includes pensions, property, and savings. Closing the legal door on marriage doesn’t always shut down shared financial access unless the paperwork clearly says so.
You Can Divorce In Just A Few Weeks
Credit: Canva
There’s no such thing as a six-week “quickie” divorce, at least not legally. Many countries require waiting periods. In England and Wales, for example, there’s a mandatory 20-week reflection period before you can move forward. Even the smoothest, most cooperative divorce typically takes several months from start to finish.