Duration Of Marriage

The duration of marriage refers to the length of time from the date the couple gets married until the date they separate or divorce. It is often measured from the wedding date to the date of separation, which is when one spouse communicates and acts on the intention to end the marriage, not necessarily the date the divorce is finalized.

In statistical terms, the average length of a first marriage in the U.S. is about 8 years, though the median duration for individuals in a first marriage was reported as 21 years in 2018, meaning half of first marriages last longer than 21 years and half last less.

The duration of marriage is significant in various legal contexts, such as divorce proceedings. For example, in California, the length of the marriage affects decisions on spousal support and property division. Longer marriages often lead to more complex property division and potentially longer or more substantial spousal support awards, reflecting the shared financial life and lifestyle established during the marriage.

In summary:

• Duration of marriage = time from marriage date to separation date (or divorce date).
• Average first marriage length in the U.S.: about 8 years.
• Median duration for first marriages (2018 data): 21 years.
• Duration impacts legal outcomes like spousal support and property division in divorce.

This concept helps understand both social trends in marriage longevity and practical legal considerations in family law.