How many marriages now involve a remarriage for one or both partners?

How many marriages now involve a remarriage for one or both partners?

• A. One quarter
• B. One third
• C. One half
• D. Two thirds

Answer: (B)

Remarriage prevalence shows how common it is for at least one partner in a marriage to have been married before. In many Western societies today, around one third of marriages involve a previously married partner, whether through divorce or widowhood. This reflects higher divorce rates and longer life expectancy, which lead to more people remarrying after separation or the death of a spouse. It also signals a shift toward serial monogamy rather than a single lifelong union. While the exact figure can vary by country and over time, about a third is a widely cited estimate, making it a better fit than a quarter, half, or two thirds.