Remarriage Data
First vs Second Marriage Divorce Rates
Second marriages have a 60% divorce rate compared to 42% for first marriages. The rate increases to 73% for third marriages and 85% for fourth or more. Understanding these patterns can help couples beat the odds.
Despite having 'more experience,' subsequent marriages have higher failure rates. Key factors include unresolved issues, blended family challenges, and rushing into new relationships.
First Marriage
42%divorce rate
Baseline rate
Second Marriage
60%divorce rate
+43% vs first
Third Marriage
73%divorce rate
+74% vs first
Fourth+ Marriage
85%divorce rate
Highest risk
Divorce Rates by Marriage Order
Each subsequent marriage has a higher divorce rate and shorter average duration. However, the likelihood of remarrying also decreases with each divorce.
| Marriage Order | Divorce Rate | Avg Duration | Median Age | Remarriage Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Marriage | 42% | 7.8 years | 28 | 80% |
| Second Marriage | 60% | 5.8 years | 38 | 55% |
| Third Marriage | 73% | 4.2 years | 46 | 35% |
| Fourth+ Marriage | 85% | 2.8 years | 52 | 20% |
Why Second Marriages Fail More Often
Despite having "experience," second marriages face unique challenges that often lead to higher divorce rates.
| Reason | % Citing This | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Unresolved issues from first marriage | 48% | Bringing baggage without therapy |
| Blended family challenges | 42% | Stepchildren conflict, custody complexity |
| Rushing into remarriage | 38% | Rebound marriages, not fully healed |
| Financial complications | 35% | Alimony, child support, prior debts |
| Unrealistic expectations | 32% | Expecting new spouse to fix problems |
| Choosing similar partners | 28% | Repeating same relationship patterns |
Factors That Reduce Second Marriage Divorce Risk
Research shows specific factors that significantly improve remarriage success rates.
| Success Factor | Risk Reduction | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Wait 2+ years before remarrying | -35% | Time to heal and reflect |
| Pre-marital counseling | -30% | Address issues proactively |
| Both partners previously divorced | -22% | Shared understanding of stakes |
| No children from prior marriages | -25% | Fewer blended family issues |
| Prenuptial agreement | -18% | Clear expectations, reduced conflict |
| Similar financial situations | -20% | Avoids power imbalances |
Second Marriage Success by Age at Remarriage
The age at which you remarry significantly impacts divorce risk. Those who remarry between 35-44 have the lowest rates.
Remarried Age Under 25
72%
Remarried Age 25-34
55%
Remarried Age 35-44
48%
Remarried Age 45-54
52%
Remarried Age 55+
58%
Blended Family Divorce Statistics
Blended families (stepfamilies) face unique challenges that contribute significantly to higher second marriage divorce rates.
Stepfamily divorce rate
65%
Time to stabilize stepfamily
5-7 years
Stepparent-child conflict
48%
Custody schedule conflicts
35%
Financial strain from prior children
40%
The Stepfamily Challenge
Stepfamilies require 5-7 years on average to fully integrate and stabilize. Many remarriages fail before this integration completes. Key tips:
- Don't expect instant love between stepparent and stepchildren
- Maintain the couple relationship as the foundation
- Allow biological parent to be primary disciplinarian initially
- Be patient - adjustment is a marathon, not a sprint
How Splitifi Uses This Data
Whether it's your first, second, or third divorce, Splitifi provides personalized guidance based on your specific situation. We understand the unique complexities of subsequent divorces - blended families, prior agreements, and accumulated assets.
- Prior agreement modification guidance
- Blended family custody considerations
- Multiple prior asset division handling
- Second divorce financial planning
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the divorce rate for second marriages?
The divorce rate for second marriages is approximately 60%, compared to 42% for first marriages. This represents a 43% increase in divorce risk. The rate climbs to 73% for third marriages and 85% for fourth or more.
Why do second marriages fail more often?
Second marriages face unique challenges: unresolved issues from prior marriage (48%), blended family conflicts (42%), rushing into remarriage (38%), and financial complications from prior obligations (35%). Without addressing patterns that led to the first divorce, people often repeat them.
How long should you wait before remarrying?
Research shows waiting at least 2 years before remarrying reduces divorce risk by 35%. This time allows for healing, self-reflection, and breaking negative patterns. Rebound marriages (under 1 year) have the highest failure rates.
Do blended families have higher divorce rates?
Yes, stepfamilies have a divorce rate of approximately 65%, significantly higher than first marriages (42%). Stepparent-child conflict is cited in 48% of blended family divorces. Stepfamilies need 5-7 years to fully stabilize.
Cite This Page
Splitifi. "First vs Second Marriage Divorce Rates: Remarriage Statistics." Splitifi.com, February 2026, https://www.mysplitifi.com/statistics/first-vs-second-marriageData sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Journal of Marriage and Family, National Center for Family & Marriage Research. Updated annually.
Full Data Access
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3-Year Trend DataHistorical comparison showing rate changes over time
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