Number of divorces falls in Haarlem, but less sharply than nationwide
The number of divorces in Haarlem has decreased since 2018, though this decline is slower than the national average in the Netherlands. Recent data highlights a trend toward older couples ending their marriages, with experts noting that empty-nest syndrome often plays a role in these later-life separations.
The number of divorces in Haarlem has experienced a decline, dropping from 489 in 2018 to 454 in 2025. While this reflects a positive trend, the decrease is notably less pronounced than the average reduction observed across the Netherlands during the same timeframe. Currently, 13,709 divorced individuals reside in Haarlem, with the demographic most likely to separate being those between the ages of 50 and 55. Statistics show that the average marriage duration before a divorce is roughly 14 years and 8 months, though some couples part ways after four decades of union.
Nationally, divorce rates have been falling for years, with 24,555 marriages ending in 2025 compared to nearly 35,000 in 2000. There is a clear trend toward older individuals choosing to divorce, as the average age at the time of separation has increased significantly. Experts suggest that the departure of children from the family home often prompts these couples to re-evaluate their relationships and shared futures, leading to more late-life divorces.
Based on reporting by ad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
