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Divorce Rates - why are they decreasing?

As we step into the spring months, it is important to take a look at recent and potential changes taking effect within Family Law. 

January means different things to different people; for some it marks a new year with new goals and for others it means that the festive period has passed, and you are back to normality. For Family Lawyers and their teams, it can see the influx of new enquiries with couples looking to separate and close the door to their relationship coming into the New Year. 

Rather surprisingly, this January saw a different outcome. In 2022/23 we saw a rise in interest rates and inflation causing issues in more area than one. In regard to Family Law, the cost-of-living crisis has exacerbated the financial pressures on families and even more so for the couples looking to divorce.

Divorce is not as simple as deciding that you no longer want to be with your significant other, it is about creating an equal division of assets. We are in an unprecedented time where families who are financially struggling are having to remain in the same household as it is unfeasible to fund two separate homes. This puts immense pressure on already struggling families and couples who wish to go their separate ways. 

The cost-of-living crisis is said to have delayed more than 270,000 couples from separating as well as 19% of divorces. Albeit this has meant that more couples have decided to work through their issues through communication, resolving disputes and mediation. Couples who have children have also placed their focus on the children’s wellbeing and are instilling personal growth and positive change.   

With this being said, it is important that if you are unable to work through your differences or if it is not safe for yourself or your children, then divorce may be the best step forward for you. Please seek both financial advice and or legal support to best protect you and your family.  

If we look at a statistic from ONS, there were 80,057 divorces granted in 2022, which is 29.5% decrease from 2021 and is the lowest recorded amount since 1971. This decrease could be a result of financial pressure, or it could be the glue that is keeping couples together fighting to keep their family unit whole. 

What are your predictions for the coming months and what changes do you think Family Law can expect to see?