Divorces in the Canary Islands drop by 45% compared to 20 years ago
The number of divorces and separations in the Canary Islands has plummeted by 45% over the last two decades, according to newly released data from the National Statistics Institute (INE). In 2024, the archipelago recorded 4,567 marital dissolutions – 4,411 divorces and just 156 legal separations – compared to over 8,200 in 2004.
This significant drop, which began following the 2005 legal reform that allowed couples to divorce without prior separation, has stabilised since 2020.
Fewer Marriages, Fewer Divorces
The figures show a clear trend across the islands: 2,388 divorces were registered last year in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and 2,073 in Las Palmas – a stark contrast to 2004, when Las Palmas alone saw around 4,500 marital dissolutions.
According to Maribel Matías, a family lawyer and mediator, the decline is largely linked to shifting social norms. “People are simply not getting married as much,” she explains. “From a legal perspective, you can only divorce if you’re married. So, with fewer marriages, naturally, there are fewer divorces.”
However, Matías notes that this doesn’t necessarily mean there are fewer breakups. Many couples now cohabit without marrying, and when these relationships end, they often do so outside of the court system.
The Near Disappearance of Legal Separations
One key factor in the decline is the sharp drop in legal separations. In 2004, they were a common first step before divorce. But after the 2005 legal reform, couples have been able to divorce directly, bypassing the separation phase. In 2024, only 156 separations were recorded in the Canary Islands.
“Before the law changed, separation was almost like a mandatory cooling-off period in case the couple reconciled,” says Matías. “Now, most people go straight to divorce.”
“Express” Divorces Not Always So Fast
The 2005 reform also introduced the idea of a so-called "express divorce", although Matías cautions that the term can be misleading. “Divorce is only quick when there are no children or joint assets to divide. In those cases, it can be handled swiftly, either in court, by decree, or via a notary.”
In fact, 13.8% of divorces in Spain are now finalised through notarial proceedings, reflecting a growing preference for streamlined solutions.
Rise of Family Mediation
Another significant change is the increased use of family mediation, encouraged by the Canary Islands government as a more collaborative alternative to contentious court proceedings. The recently approved Law 1/2025 strengthens the role of mediation, making it an almost compulsory step in the divorce process.
Despite this, Matías believes more public education is needed: “People need to understand that mediated agreements tend to be more effective and sustainable than those imposed by a judge.”
Shared Custody Becomes the Norm
One of the most notable societal shifts is the rise in shared custody arrangements, which accounted for over 49% of cases in 2024. This marks a move away from the traditional maternal default, toward recognising equal parenting responsibilities.
Still, Matías stresses that shared custody should not be applied universally: “It must be assessed case by case. If one parent has been absent from the child’s life, shared custody may not be appropriate. The child’s best interest should always come first.”
Who’s Getting Divorced?
The typical divorce profile remains relatively unchanged. Most divorces occur between couples aged 30 to 40, though second and third divorces are also common. Matías adds that despite the drop in numbers, the emotional and legal complexities remain.
Ultimately, the 45% reduction in divorces doesn’t signal fewer breakups – rather, it reflects a changing society where couples are less likely to marry, more open to mediation, and navigating relationships in new, less traditional ways.
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