ATLANTA – A new study reveals Georgia ranks in the top five states that had the most failing marriages and break-ups last year.

Release:

• A new ranking has identified the top states that saw marriages crack after the hardships faced last year, with Georgia revealed to struggle the second most
• The study analyzed over 300k searches around divorce to reveal where was the most eager to make separation from partners official in 2023
• Georgia residents wanted to end their commitments the second most, with searches 33% above the US average
• A law expert shares insight into how divorce is better than staying in an unhappy marriage – in particular how personal growth can benefit parenting

A new study reveals the states that had the most failing marriages last year – and it turns out couples in Georgia were the second keenest to break up. 

The research, pulled together by Schmidt & Clark, analyzed nationwide and regional Google search volume for keywords related to divorce and divorce lawyers over the last 12 months in the US, to identify the top states that were looking to officially separate. 

It’s vital that anyone wanting to end their marriage can find affordable divorce lawyers, so that an objective figure can help make the process as stress-free as possible for everyone involved – especially in cases where there is extreme conflict.

Partners in Tennessee appeared to need this the most, as the state averaged 141 searches per 100k people in the past year, which is 40% above the national average of 101. 

Behind Tennessee as the second state that sought out divorce the most was Georgia, with 134 searches per 100k – 33% higher than the US average. In third was Mississippi, as spouses in the area searched 30% more than usual, with 131 searches per 100k. 

While it’s unclear why marriages in these states crumbled last year, it could be a reflection of the strain put on relationships by money troubles caused by the cost of living crisis.

2023 saw price hikes on groceries, utilities, rent and everything in between, and the added financial pressures of this are bound to have had an effect on relationships – especially those in low-income households.

The ten states most interested in divorce 

	State	Searches per 100k		State	Searches per 100k
1	Tennessee	141	6	Virginia	126
2	Georgia	134	7	Arkansas	122
3	Mississippi	131	8	Colorado	119
4	South Carolina	130	9	Illinois	115
5	Michigan	128	10	Missouri	113

However, if that is the case, Alaska marriages proved strong enough to overcome these difficulties as they thrived in comparison to the typical American one, as people there searched almost half the amount (49% decrease) at 52 searches per 100k. 

Following Alaska as the second most happy was South Dakota, with couples in the state having thought about splitting up 47% less than the US average, with only 54 searches per 100k. In third was Hawaii with 56 searches per 100k – which is still 45% below the national average. 

It’s possible the reason for the contrast in search volumes between the states is due to differences in the economic and political situations in each state.

The ten states least interested in divorce 

	State	Searches per 100k		State	Searches per 100k
1	Alaska	52	6	Montana	63
2	South Dakota	54	7	Maine	64
3	Hawaii	56	8	New Hampshire	64
4	Idaho	57	9	Massachusetts	65
5	North Dakota	59	10	Nebraska	67

As well as revealing the most and least interested states in divorce, the study also analyzed how the monthly searches varied from month to month over the last 12 months in the US. 

Interestingly, October experienced the highest surge in searches across the nation – over double the monthly average (338,497) at 761,400. 

It could perhaps be due to people trying to find a solution for the natural slump that many experience as they wave goodbye to summer and settle in for the shorter, darker days – without the excitement of festivities experienced in November and December. 

Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson from Schmidt & Clark says: “Whilst you shouldn’t rush into divorce without giving yourself time to decide if it’s definitely what you want, it’s important to remember that it can be what’s best for you. 

“Although the proceedings may naturally cause temporary disruption to your life, in the long run it can lead you to a healthier one by removing you from a situation that no longer makes you happy. 

“It can even aid personal growth, by allowing you to focus on self-care such as exercising, eating and sleeping right, which can easily be forgotten during times of conflict. 

“In cases where children are involved, this is particularly important, so that they see you demonstrating how vital these practices are for both physical and mental health and hopefully end up prioritizing them in their own lives too.”