Family matters; New relationships after separation or divorce (PDF)

New relationships after separation or divorce Fam�y Ma�� In 2017, of the 11 million people aged 35 to 64 years old in a couple1: 1 in 4 were currently in their second or subsequent marriage or common-law relationship. Women Men Total 2006 2017 Percentage in a second or subsequent union among persons in couples Average time separated or divorced before remarrying or repartnering: 5 years 4.8 4.5 Women Men What does a second or subsequent union look like? Among those who were currently remarried or repartnered: 36% were now in a common-law union. 46% were now in a marriage that had started as a common-law union. 18% were now in a marriage that had not started as a common-law union. Those born in Canada and residents of Quebec were most likely to form second or subsequent unions. Canadian born Foreign born 13% 31% Percentage in a second or subsequent union among all persons in couples 19% 27% Atlantic Canada Quebec Ontario Prairie Provinces British Columbia 28% 25% 36% 1. Results are based on the respondent’s current union. All data are for the population aged 35 to 64 years old living in Canada who had been married or lived common-law at least once at the time of survey. For those in their second or subsequent union, only individuals whose previous union ended by separation or divorce are included (widowed individuals are excluded). Source: General Social Survey (Families), 2006 and 2017. Half had been with their current partner or spouse for 12 or more years. 31% of those in a common-law union and 56% of those married had children with their current partner or spouse. www.statcan.gc.ca 26% 25% 23% 26% 23% 22% Statistics Canada Statistique Canada Catalogue number: 11-627-M ISBN number: 978-0-660-30767-1