Over the last century, the number of people getting married has decreased and, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) this is having a direct effect on the number of divorces being processed in the UK each year.
Marriages Are More Successful Than Ever
Recent reports have revealed that divorce rates are now at their lowest in more than four decades.
This reason for these promising statistics could be explained by a number of factors. The first being that people are more likely to cohabitate initially. With this ‘try before you buy’ system, marriage may come at a future stage, however a divorce is not required if there is a break-up.
Another is that people are no longer feeling as much family or social pressure to get married by a certain age and therefore people are becoming more considered and often marrying later in life. Nicola Haines, from the Office for National statistics, said:
“Likely factors include increased cohabiting and increasing age at first marriage.
Previous research indicated a higher risk of divorce among those marrying younger, while cohabitation may be reducing the number of weaker relationships progressing to marriage.”
Divorces Are Now Happening Later in Life
The relationships that do end in divorce are also lasting longer. Statistics released at the end of 2014 reveal the median duration of a marriage that ends in divorce is 11.7 years. This has risen considerably since 1995 when the average duration was 9.6 years and 8.9 years a decade before that.
With longer marriages, this means the average of divorcees is higher too. The Telegraph reported at the end of 2016 that the average at which people get divorced is 45.6 for men and 43.1 for women.
Gay marriage first became legal in the UK in March 2014, and figures released a year later reveal that there were just 22 same sex divorces within this 12-month period (10 of these divorces were among men, and 12 were between women).
Similarly, to heterosexual divorces, the average age was 42.1 years for men. However, the average age for women was lower at 33.7 years. Further data has also revealed 77% of these marriages were ended due to unreasonable behaviour, such as an affair.
Are You Considering Getting a Divorce?
If you’ve decided that a divorce would be best for you and your spouse, our experienced divorce solicitors can help. We offer a quick, hassle-free and cost-effective service to help you start your new life as a single person as seamlessly as possible.
