Is the AFCC a leading cause for not getting married?

The leading cause of divorce may be marriage, but the AFCC has increasingly become a leading reason many people are choosing not to marry at all. The Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) presents itself as a conciliatory, problem‑solving organization, yet its structure and incentives tell a different story. Founded by judges, attorneys, psychologists, social workers, and related professionals, the AFCC created a system that has profoundly reshaped American families – and not for the better.

Although the AFCC claims its original mission was to reduce conflict and prevent divorce, the practical effect has been the opposite. Through its influence over state actors—particularly judges who were previously attorneys—the AFCC has helped build a $50‑billion‑per‑year industry centered on divorce, custody disputes, and juvenile dependency cases. The overwhelming majority of that money flows to AFCC‑affiliated professionals. Parents are routinely pressured or required to use AFCC‑connected evaluators, therapists, minor’s counsel, and other “services,” often at significant personal cost.

Self‑representation becomes nearly impossible. Bringing in independent witnesses is discouraged or blocked. Judicial independence is compromised when judges rely on the same network of professionals who benefit financially from ongoing litigation. And the claim that these practices serve the “best interest of the child” rarely aligns with the lived experiences of families navigating the system.

The broader social consequences are significant. Research shows that America’s “marriage divide” is widening: 

College‑educated and higher‑income Americans are far more likely to marry and stay married.

Working‑class and lower‑income Americans experience greater family instability, higher rates of singleness and inability to afford a home.

Among Americans in the top third of income, 64% remain in an intact first marriage. In the lowest third, only 24% do. Meanwhile, the share of never‑married adults continues to rise, and many Americans are delaying or abandoning marriage altogether.

The AFCC’s influence over family and juvenile dependency courts has contributed to this trend. When the system routinely separates children from one or both parents, imposes financial burdens, and fosters long‑term instability, it is no surprise that many people view marriage as a risk rather than a foundation for family life.