Over the years there has been a generational shift in the approach we have to marriage and divorce. This can be evidenced by the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), which show that the current divorce rate is the lowest it has been for nearly 40 years.
Couples in the UK are now choosing to marry later in life and consequentially, the added maturity that comes with age is resulting in fewer separations.
In 1960 there were just 23,868 cases of divorce. At this time there was still much stigma attached to divorce. During the 1970s divorce became increasingly common with the introduction of so called ‘quickie divorces’ and ‘no-fault divorces’, which led to an increasing divorce rate of 58,239 by 1970.
The peak in the divorce rate came in 1993, when more than 165,000 people were divorced in one year alone. Currently the annual divorce rate is hovering around the 115,000 mark, but what can explain this recent decrease?
An increase in the average age of couples at marriage is thought to be one reason for dwindling divorce rates. This has also resulted in a smaller married population. The younger a person marries, the higher the probability of divorce. The average age of a woman’s first marriage has reached 30 for the first time, coinciding with the shifting priorities of women, with further education and career building now high on their agendas.
The trend for delaying marriage is a big factor in the decline in divorce over the past two decades, as those who do decide to get married are generally more committed. Those who are decisive enough to get together are now more likely to stay together.
There was a dip in the number of divorces in 2009, which coincides with the onset of the recession. The low figure is thought to be a result of couples simply not having the money to divorce. There was a sharp rise again in 2010, when financial difficulties had pushed already rocky relationships to the brink.
However, falling divorce rates do not entirely tell the full story. The biggest cause of family break-up is currently the separation of cohabiting but unmarried couples. Such couples separate at five times the rate of married couples.
If you’re looking for a simple divorce, Howells Solicitors now offer the option of an online divorce, which can be completed quickly and at minimal expense.
by Richard Scott
