Divorce rates in Iowa between 1940 and 1998 increased from 1.9 per thousand population (in 1940) to 3.5 per thousand population (in 1998).
Divorce rates in Iowa are currently in decline, however.
The year 2003 saw the lowest number of divorces in the state of Iowa in 32 years: divorces were down by nearly four thousand since 1980.
Iowans cite religious, financial and social considerations when they decide to choose marriage annulment over divorce.
Divorce remains the preferred choice for Iowans over annulment, however, because of its relative lack of preconditions for couples seeking to end their marriage.
Iowa is a typical no-fault divorce state. Petitioners can file for divorce without supplying grounds. Family court laws are very liberal.
