What is the hardest country to get divorced in?

Asked by: Dr. Hettie Johns Jr.  |  Last update: March 11, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (20 votes)

The hardest country to get divorced in is the Philippines, where divorce is illegal for most citizens (except for Muslims under specific conditions) and only lengthy, costly annulments are possible; Vatican City also bans divorce as it follows Catholic canon law, allowing only annulments, but has virtually no residents. Other countries like China impose strict cooling-off periods, while some nations, such as India, have very low divorce rates due to cultural factors and legal hurdles, making them practically difficult to leave, even if legally possible.

What country has the worst divorce rate?

Not only did the Maldives have the highest divorce rate in the world in 2021, but it also has the highest divorce rate of any country of time in history. They were awarded a Guinness World Record for the highest divorce rate on record in 2002, with 10.97 divorces per 1000 Maldivians.

Where in the world is it hardest to get divorced?

According to 2022 statistical reports and several surveys, the following countries have the lowest divorce rates:

  • India – 0.01 per 1k.
  • Vietnam – 0.2.
  • Sri Lanka – 0.2.
  • Peru – 0.2.
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – 0.4.
  • Malta – 0.6.
  • South Africa – 0.4.
  • Ireland – 0.7.

What country does not allow divorce?

It may sound improbable, but there is a country that bans divorce: the Philippines. To be exact, both Vatican City and the Philippines prohibit divorce. But considering Vatican City's peculiarity as a theocracy, the Philippines are often referred to as the only nation that forbids divorce.

What is the easiest country to get divorced in?

Slovenia. Slovenia is one of the easiest countries in the world to file for divorce, due to its employment of a no-fault system, allowing couples to file for divorce without citing a reason they would need to prove.

Why There is a High Divorce Rate in Russia | Russian Culture Explained

40 related questions found

Who loses more financially in a divorce after?

Women generally lose more financially in a divorce, experiencing steeper income drops (around 41% vs. 23% for men) and a greater risk of poverty, often because they take on more childcare, leave the workforce, and face lower earning potential, though the specific impact depends heavily on individual roles, asset division, and child custody arrangements. Both partners usually see a decline in their standard of living, but the financial burdens disproportionately affect women, especially those who were homemakers or primary caregivers, leading to lost pensions and housing instability.
 

Who initiates 90% of divorces?

Women initiate a significant majority of divorces, around 70%, with this figure rising to nearly 90% for college-educated women, according to studies like one from the American Sociological Association. This trend highlights women's greater dissatisfaction with marital dynamics, often stemming from taking on more emotional labor and feeling a lack of connection or fulfillment, leading them to be the ones to file for divorce, notes The Whitley Law Firm and Barnes & Diehl, P.C.. 

Where is it illegal to get a divorce?

In the Philippines, divorce is still illegal. The country is one of only two in the world where divorce is still illegal, the other being Vatican City. While annulment is an option, the process is lengthy, expensive, and often inaccessible to those with low income.

What is the GREY divorce trend?

Grey divorce or late-life divorce is the demographic trend of an increasing divorce rate for older ("grey-haired") couples in long-lasting marriages, a term typically used for people over 50. Those who divorce may be called silver splitters. Divorcing late in life can cause financial difficulties.

What is a wife entitled to after 15 years of marriage?

You are generally entitled to one half of the marital property which would include anything acquired during the marriage; however, you would also generally be responsible for one half of the marital debt. Additionally, if your husband makes significantly more money than you do, you may qualify for spousal support.

Is divorce illegal in Italy?

Separation and divorce are regulated by the ordinary rules governing jurisdiction in Italy. Italian divorce procedures are given by the Italian Civil Code which governs family law in the country.

Where is the divorce capital of the world?

The practice of seeking divorce in Reno dates back to the early 20th century, when the city shrewdly built lodging and entertainment steps from its courthouse, drawing a steady flow of “divorce tourists” looking to escape the East Coast press.

What is the fastest divorce in the world?

Indy100 reported on July 21, 2024, that a pair of Kuwaiti newlyweds got divorced a mere three minutes after their ceremony in 2019, which may be the world's shortest marriage. According to the publication, the couple decided to end their committed union after the groom made a scathing comment about the bride.

What US city has the highest divorce rate?

The top metropolitan area on the list is Medford, OR with a divorced population of 15.8%, making it the city with the highest divorce rate in the United States. Located in Jackson County, the Medford metropolitan area is the fourth-largest in Oregon.

What religion has the most divorces?

The Pew Research Center has taken a closer look by breaking down divorce rates among specific religious groups:

  • Protestant Christians 51%
  • Catholics 19%
  • Jewish 9%
  • Mormon 7%
  • Muslims 8%
  • Hindus 5%
  • Buddhists 10%
  • Sikhs 6%

Who gets divorced the most?

60 percent of all divorces involve individuals aged 25 to 39. 25. Wives are the ones who most often file for divorce at 66 percent on average. That figure has soared to nearly 75 percent in some years.

What is the #1 divorce cause?

The number one reason for divorce is consistently cited as lack of commitment, often leading to infidelity, growing apart, and frequent conflict/arguing, with financial problems, poor communication, and addiction also being major factors that erode the foundation of a marriage. 

What is the 10 10 10 rule for divorce?

The "10/10 Rule" in military divorce determines if a former spouse receives direct payments from the military pension, requiring at least 10 years of marriage that overlap with 10 years of the service member's creditable military service. If this rule is met, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) sends the court-ordered portion directly to the ex-spouse; if not, the service member pays the ex-spouse directly, though the court can still award a share of the pension. This rule affects how payments are made, not the eligibility for pension division itself, which is decided by state law. 

What are the 3 C's of divorce?

The "3 Cs of Divorce" generally refer to Communication, Cooperation, and Compromise, principles that help divorcing couples, especially those with children, navigate the process more smoothly by focusing on respectful dialogue, working together for shared goals (like children's welfare), and making concessions for equitable outcomes, reducing conflict and costs. Some variations substitute Custody or Civility for one of the Cs, emphasizing child-focused decisions or maintaining politeness.
 

What country has no divorce?

As of now, there are only two countries in the world where divorce remains illegal: the Philippines and Vatican City.

What is the hardest state to get a divorce?

There isn't one single "hardest" state, but Vermont, South Carolina, Arkansas, and California are frequently cited due to lengthy waiting periods, mandatory separations, residency requirements, or high costs, with Vermont often called the hardest with its 450-day minimum timeline involving separation and decree periods, while Arkansas has a 18-month separation requirement, and California has a six-month "cooling-off" period plus high fees. 

Why is moving out the biggest mistake in a divorce?

Moving out during a divorce is often called a mistake because it can harm your financial standing (paying two households), weaken your position in child custody (appearing less involved), and complicate asset division by creating an "abandonment" perception, making courts favor the spouse who stayed, though it's not always a mistake, especially in cases of domestic violence where safety is paramount. Staying in the home, even in separate rooms, preserves the status quo, keeps you present for kids, and maintains your connection to the property until formal agreements are made.
 

What is the 80-80 marriage rule?

The 80/80 Marriage pushes couples beyond the limited idea of “fairness” toward a new model grounded on radical generosity and shared success, one that calls for each partner to contribute 80 percent to build the strongest possible relationship.

What is the #1 predictor of divorce?

The biggest predictors of divorce are destructive communication patterns known as the "Four Horsemen": Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and Stonewalling, with Contempt (mocking, name-calling, eye-rolling) being the most damaging, signaling a fundamental lack of respect. Other major factors include a lack of commitment, disinterest in a partner's bids for connection, and starting conflicts harshly (a "harsh startup"). 

What happens if one spouse refuses divorce?

If one spouse doesn't want a divorce, the other can still get one in virtually every U.S. state using no-fault grounds (irreconcilable differences), but the process might become contested, longer, and more expensive, potentially leading to a default judgment if the spouse remains uncooperative, with the judge making final decisions on asset and child custody issues. Key steps involve filing the petition, serving papers, and if the spouse ignores them, pursuing a default judgment to finalize the divorce without their input.