Are newer marriage cohorts in Singapore lasting longer?

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Newer Marriage Cohorts in Singapore Appear to Be Lasting Longer

Fewer couples in Singapore are divorcing before their tenth anniversary, indicating that newer marriage cohorts are demonstrating greater longevity. The proportion of marriages that dissolved within the first decade of union has decreased, suggesting a trend towards more enduring marital relationships among those who have wed more recently.
Decline in Early Marital Dissolution

The share of marriages ending before their tenth anniversary has seen a notable reduction. For couples who married in 2005, 17 per cent saw their unions dissolve before reaching their tenth year. This figure has since fallen to 13.5 per cent for those who married in 2014, a decrease of 3.5 percentage points.
Reduced Overall Divorce Numbers

Beyond the trend in early dissolutions, the overall number of marriages ending in divorce or annulment also decreased in the most recent reporting year. In 2025, 7,242 marriages were terminated, representing a 1.9 per cent drop from the 7,382 divorces recorded in the preceding year. This indicates a broader pattern of fewer marital break-ups.
Factors Influencing Marital Stability

Sociological and legal perspectives suggest several factors may contribute to these trends. Experts note that in societies where spouse selection is a private decision, individuals are more certain of their choice of partner by the time they marry, fostering a stronger commitment to building a life together. Furthermore, the introduction of divorce by mutual agreement in July 2024 offers a less confrontational route for couples who have already decided to separate, allowing them to end their marriages without assigning blame.
Shifting Divorce Landscape

The legal framework for divorce is also evolving, with a growing adoption of less adversarial methods. In 2025, nearly one in five civil divorces were granted through mutual agreement, a pathway introduced to allow couples to dissolve their marriage without having to detail grievances such as adultery or unreasonable behaviour. While unreasonable behaviour remains the most common reason cited for civil divorces at 48.7 per cent, and separation for at least three years accounts for 30.5 per cent, the 18.8 per cent share for mutual agreement highlights a significant shift in how marital dissolutions are being approached.

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Are newer marriage cohorts in Singapore lasting longer?

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