So, is divorce on the decrease?

The most recent statistics tell us that divorce, on the whole, is on the decrease.  It has been recorded that there were just under 102,000 divorces in both opposite and same-sex couples, a decrease of 4.9% on the previous year, 40% lower than the peak of 1993 and one of the lowest divorce rates since 1973!  So how has society changed to bring about this trend?

One theory is that people are waiting until they’re older to get married, at which time in life they will be settled in their careers and financial position and have a wider experience of life and realistic expectations.  Another suggestion is that the majority of marrying couples will have cohabited for several years prior to marriage and therefore, there are no hidden surprises with regards to your partner’s living habits once you are wed!  During 1965-1974, only 11% of couples had cohabited prior to marrying, whereas by 2009, this had increased to at least 66% and continues to grow to date.

The most recent statistics tell us that the divorce rate for opposite sex-couples was highest in men aged 45-49 and women aged 40-44, with the average marriage lasting just over 12 years.  In same-sex marriages, three quarters of divorces in 2017 arose in female couples.  Across the board, unreasonable behaviour is the most common reason for divorce.

Could it therefore be the case that the reason why divorce is on the decrease is due to more couples choosing to cohabit rather than marry?

Whatever the reason, and whatever your relationship status, it is an unfortunate fact that a lot of relationships do fail. Whether you’re married or cohabiting, it may be that you require legal advice to help you with your situation when your relationship breaks down.

How can we help?

At Jackson Lees, we provide effective legal advice and guidance to help you through the difficult periods in life; we understand that the breakdown of any relationship is a challenging time for everybody concerned, including any children of the family.  In terms of divorce, we are able to assist you as to the right basis for divorce specific to your circumstances and also look to resolve any issues arising in respect of the finances or children. 

We know that getting the right advice as early as possible will help remove a lot of the anxiety surrounding the end of your relationship.  With regards to co-habitation disputes, again we are able to provide you with the relevant legal advice so that you are able to obtain the best possible outcome to ensure that you are secure financially, so far as possible, and also that there are positive arrangements for the children.

Our family lawyers have a wealth of experience in all aspects of family law and whether you are divorcing early on in the marriage, or after several decades, the advice that we provide to you will be tailored to your individual circumstances.

Whilst hoping that divorce continues to be on the decline, we remain to provide you with a reassuring legal service to assist you through the difficult times.

If you would like to talk to one of our specialist family law advisers, please call us free on 0800 387 927, request a callback at your convenience or email us your enquiry.