Trends in couple formation and dissolution have resulted in an increase in the proportion of Australian adults who are unpartnered.

Patterns of couple formation and dissolution in Australia have changed significantly over a number of decades. Such changes represent a response to the interaction of many factors, including other life course changes, technological advancements, labour market and economic forces, and evolving social values and attitudes. In turn, trends in couple formation and dissolution contribute to social values and attitudes and to other family-related trends, such as fertility rates.

It is important to monitor family trends, not only to understand the current circumstances of families, but also to gain insight into the future direction of changes, reasons behind them and their implications - all of which can feed into the shaping of proactive policy responses.

This article updates trends in couple dissolution that formed the basis of an article that was published in the second edition of Family Relationships Quarterly, and includes additional information concerning the duration of marriages and differences in rates of relationship dissolution for marriages and cohabiting unions.