Erie County Clerk
Press Releases

December 31, 2008

2008: A Good Year for Married Couples in Erie County

Silver Lining in Otherwise Tough Times; Trend Reflects 10 years of Declining Divorces in Erie County, Down 22% Since 1998

According to figures filed in the Erie County Clerk's Office, the number of divorces filed declined from a ten-year high of 3606 in 1998 to 2809 for the end of year figures in 2008, plummeting 22%. Even compared with last year (2007), divorces in Erie County dropped 3.3%.

Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul said she regularly analyzes the data filed in the Clerk's Office and notes trends in foreclosures, house closings, auto registrations, new business starts, pistol permits issued, as well as matrimonial cases filed. "Because of the data we collect, I have a pulse of what is happening in every aspect of peoples lives... even matters of the heart," said the County Clerk. According to Hochul, who will soon celebrate her silver wedding anniversary, this is good news on the state of affairs in Erie County.