In 2022, there were 2.3 divorces per 1,000 inhabitants in New York. This figure is a decrease from 1990, when the divorce rate stood at 3.2 divorces for every 1,000 inhabitants in the state.

The Family Law and Divorce Lawyers and Attorneys industry has seen tepid growth recently, influenced by shifting American family dynamics. Divorce rates have been on the decline, putting a damper on revenue growth. However, per capita disposable income has risen, a silver lining that has allowed more individuals to afford expert legal advice, keeping the industry from going belly up. Despite these mixed signals, successful firms adapt to changing conditions to maintain their competitive edge. Ultimately, lawyers and attorneys practicing in family and divorce law are forecast to see revenue grow at a CAGR of 0.3% to total $13.2 billion over the five years to 2024. In 2024, industry revenue is expected to climb an additional 0.7%.External competition for family and divorce law practitioners is on the rise. Billing hours for lawyers continue to increase, pushing potential clients to seek less expensive alternatives. Online filing services present significant competition for traditional family law firms. Additionally, individuals increasingly turn to volunteer lawyers and nonprofit centers to settle matters without hiring experienced operators or going to court. For example, the Collaborative Family Law Center in New York offers divorce-related assistance, and similar centers exist nationwide. These trends are indicative of the growing challenge traditional firms face in maintaining their client base, hampering profitability. The national divorce rate is expected to keep falling, likely putting a squeeze on revenue for family and divorce law practitioners. Potential clients will increasingly turn to the internet to file less complicated documents, bypassing traditional legal services. With more of the population connected online, online legal platforms are set to rise. Moreover, the trend of resolving family law cases without lawyers is expected to grow, fueled by specialized nonprofit centers and volunteer lawyers. This shift will further mitigate growth, as more individuals seek cost-effective alternatives for their legal needs, leaving traditional law firms to face revenue declines. As a result, industry revenue is forecast to contract at a CAGR of 0.2% to $13.1 billion over the five years to 2029.

Financial overview and grant giving statistics of The Family and Divorce Mediation Council of Greater New York Inc.