All divorces typically fall into a spectrum. On one end, it can happen swiftly and quietly if both spouses agree on terms; on the other, it can drag on for ages if they’re locked in battle. But have you ever wondered how the new generation, specifically Gen Z, divorces? Do they announce their split mid-choreography in a TikTok post? More importantly, where does “rizz” factor into all this?
We promise this blog isn’t filled with Gen Z stereotypes. Just a few lawyerly observations about how the youngest married generation handles divorce.
“It’s not you, it’s my therapist’s advice”
Gen Z takes mental health seriously. Perhaps it’s less about generational quirks and more about living in a time when therapy-speak is practically a second language. Unlike older generations who might have toughed it out, Gen Zers or “Zoomers” are more inclined to consider their well-being, especially if their marriage is what’s stressing them out.
They’re also far more open about their personal lives. It’s not entirely their fault; when you grow up online, oversharing comes as naturally as breathing. Social media's carefully crafted portrayals of others influence their self-perception. They can see, in real time, all the alternative versions of the life they could be living instead.
Generations ago, a discontented spouse might’ve had only soap operas or talk radio to compare their marriage to. Now, Gen Z has a million examples in the palm of their hand, and that little rectangle of light can make a failing marriage look even dimmer by contrast.
Divorce in the era of non-binary couplehood
Non-binary (NB) is an umbrella term for those whose gender identity doesn’t neatly fit into male or female. They might feel like a mix of both, neither, somewhere in between, or they may shift over time.
In many modern family-law offices, it’s increasingly normal to see someone who identifies as NB consulting about divorce. Granted, at our firm here in Washington State, we haven’t handled a large number of NB divorces yet, but there’s undoubtedly more of such divorces than in previous decades. This makes sense because Gen Z is more likely to identify as non-binary, and where there are more NB relationships, there eventually will be more NB divorces.
So what does that mean for the divorce process? Here are a few things to keep on your radar:
- Legal paperwork might need to be extra clear about how terms like “husband” or “wife” are defined (or maybe avoided altogether).
- Pronoun use, name changes, and identity consistency can affect custody, property, and alimony discussions in subtle ways.
- Emotional and social support becomes even more important. Breaking up is already hard, and breaking up when you’ve also just publicly came out or started redefining yourself is a whole other level of difficulty.
We might be a pair of old-school lawyers still learning the latest TikTok slang, but we’re committed to meeting NB clients where they are: respectful of identity, aware of generational shifts, and ready to handle the law side of things so you can focus on finding your next version of “you.”
Divorce icons, role models
Actress Sophie Turner and model Emily Ratajkowski may not be the first names you think of when you hear “Gen Z divorce pioneers,” but they’ve certainly given the generation a blueprint. We don’t write about just any celebrity divorce, but these two deserve a special mention.
Take Emily Ratajkowski, for example. Her divorce ring (a ring celebrating the divorce itself) feels like a trend worth keeping. It’s self-love, closure, and excellent jewelry marketing all in one. We fully support this level of post-marital empowerment.
Then there’s Sophie Turner, who navigated her very public split from Joe Jonas like a pro — calm, articulate, and entirely unbothered by the noise. Her approach, much like her character on Game of Thrones, was regal under pressure.
Older generations had the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Mickey Rooney, and Larry King, whose multiple divorces became the stuff of legend. Today’s younger crowd has traded the scandal sheets for empowerment memes and tasteful Instagram posts. We suppose that’s a mark of progress.
Related reading: Divorce trends we’d like to see normalized
Lowkey preferring efficient divorces
One thing we genuinely admire about Gen Z is their creative relationship with language. This generation can turn the most ordinary words into slang faster than a lawyer can bill by the hour. No cap means “no lie.” Gaslighting still means gaslighting (some things never change). Rizz is “charisma.” Sus means “suspicious.” Lowkey and highkey — contrary to what our boomer readers might think — aren’t piano terms. They mean “slightly” and “definitely,” respectively. And vibes? Well, vibes are vibes.
So far, we haven’t seen Gen Z attempt to remix the language of divorce, which uses the same terms we’ve been trading in for decades: asset division, contested divorce, child support, alimony, etc. The great Divorce Dictionary (if such a thing existed) remains untouched, and frankly, we’re highkey relieved. Reinventing that lingo would only confuse everyone.
What Gen Z has done, though, is embrace divorce for what it is: a necessary process when a relationship stops working. They see it less as a failure and more as a form of self-care — something to get through efficiently so life can resume. And knowing Gen Z, we believe it. They like things fast, clean, and drama-free… so they can get back to TikToking, streaming, or whatever it is they’re into. In any case, we wholeheartedly co-sign this preference for quick, efficient divorces.
And speaking of efficiency, if you want your divorce handled faster, we’re the legal team to consult in Washington State. When you consult us, we promise not to throw Gen Z slang into your case file. Just the plain, professional language of experienced family law attorneys. Call LaGrandeur & Williams or leave us a message.