A comprehensive look at divorce outcomes based on longitudinal research, demographic studies, and real-world data. This is what most people don't know before they marry.
Most people enter marriage with significant blind spots about what dissolution actually looks like. Popular culture, well-meaning advice, and our own optimism create a gap between expectations and reality.
This page synthesizes findings from:
Important Context:
These outcomes are population-level findings. Not everyone experiences every outcome. But the patterns are consistent enough that anyone considering marriage should understand them. Knowledge is not pessimism—it's informed consent.
Click any category to explore detailed research findings
Long-term impact on children based on Wallerstein research
How family courts actually function in custody and property division
Long-term economic consequences and wealth effects
Psychological and physical health outcomes over time
Second marriage statistics and blended family challenges
How divorce affects men and women differently
Understanding these realities isn't pessimism—it's preparation. The best marriages are entered into with open eyes, not blind optimism.