The ONS has revealed that a total of 101,055 opposite sex couples got divorced in 2015. This is the lowest number for 45 years, since 1971 when 74,437 couples legally separated.
The figures for 2015 also represent a decrease of 9.1% compared to the previous year, and a huge drop of 34% compared to when divorce rates peaked back in 2003. Other findings showed:
- There were 22 divorces among same sex couples in 2015
- For both men and women, the divorce rate in 2015 was 8.5 divorcing per 1,000 married people – this is 8.6% lower than 2014
- The divorce rate among opposite sex couples was highest between men and women in the 40-44 age group
Chris Sherwood at relationship counselling service Relate offered an opinion on this last statistic, explaining:
“It is telling that divorce rates remain the highest in the 40-44 age group. In Relate’s experience, this can be a challenging time for couples, who may be caring for elderly parents and young children as well as juggling full time work. Lack of quality time together and financial pressures can place a huge strain on relationships at this age, and sometimes the result is divorce or separation.”
Why are divorce rates dropping?
According to University of Oxford sociologist Christiaan Monden, one possible reason for the drop in UK divorce rates is that the average length of marriage has increased. The statistics show that it is now the second highest on record at 11.9 years.
According to Professor Monden, speaking to the Financial Times, once a couple has stayed together for 25 years they are far less likely to divorce. He also said that couples are now more likely to wait until they were financially stable before tying the knot, which could be helping to make marriages more secure.
It is also more common in the UK for modern couples in the UK to live together for longer before getting married, as well as feeling more comfortable having children out of wedlock. This could mean that eventual marriages are stronger as couples have been together for much longer before walking down the aisle. The ONS report added:
“Age at marriage is also considered to be closely linked to the risk of divorce with those marrying in their teens and early twenties being at greater risk of divorce; our marriage statistics show that the average age at marriage has increased steadily since 1970 for both men and women.”
If you are facing divorce yourself or need expert advice on any aspect of family law, contact the friendly, professional team at Tracey Miller Family Law – Liverpool divorce solicitors with many years of experience in the industry.