Why are our divorce statistics on Guam going through the roof?  The number of divorces per year on Guam seem to be headed toward the stratosphere.  In 2004, the last year for which public statistics are available, we had more divorces than marriages!   Specifically, 1,987 divorces compared to only 1,561 marriages.

Here's one reason

Guam is the quickie uncontested divorce capitol of the Pacific! 

You see, under current Guam law, 19 GCA 8318(b), an uncontested divorce may be granted if one of the parties has resided in Guam for at least seven (7) days.  So outsiders can come here, stay in a hotel for a week or so, and leave with a divorce that's honored in every other state and territory and lots of other countries as well.  One attorney tells me that these quickie divorces happen "quite often" and are tailored for ex-pats, military personnel, and foreigners.

The very progressive, "blue states" of California and New York, on the other hand, have residency requirements of six months, and one year respectively.  They must not be as enlightened as we are, although they certainly have more lawyers.  Is the enrichment of lawyers worth the stigma of being a divorce mill?

See these references:

• Table 11-97 in the "2005 Guam Statistical Yearbook" 
• 19 GCA 8318(b)
• http://www.divorcesource.com/info/divorcelawsreq/california.shtml
• http://www.divorcesource.com/info/divorcelawsreq/newyork.shtml

Here's another reason

Another reason for our "easy divorces" here in Guam is the establishment of "No-fault" divorce through Public Law 214-134 in 1998.  This law changed 19 GCA 8203 by adding a new justification for divorce:  "irreconcilable differences".  These are defined in 19 GCA 8219:  "Irreconcilable differences are those grounds which are determined by the Court to be substantial reasons for not continuing the marriage and whch make it appear that the marriage should be dissolved."

Where are all the Church weddings?

We see countless christenings and rosaries here in Guam, but why so few church weddings?

To see what I mean, take this quiz:

1) What percentage of weddings on Guam involving a Chamorro bride are religious ceremonies?

      Answer: 32%

2) What percentage of weddings on Guam involving a Filipina bride are religious ceremonies? 

      Answer: 26%

Do the answers surprise you?  See Table 11-79 of the 2005 Guam Statistical Yearbook

68% Out of Wedlock Births

We all know that the figure is high, but that high?  Yes, at least for those mothers who themselves

were born on Guam.  

I found it Table 11-34 of the 2005 Guam Statistical Yearbook:

Percent of Births to Unmarried Mothers On Guam by Birthplace of Mother: 2004