Divorce today
Divorce rates
Divorce rates have decreased over recent years, except for older couples.
For the over 50s, rates have increased by almost 60% over 15 years.
For the over 40s, rates have increased by 30% over that period.
Wealth has increased
The trend for later age divorces means there are more assets in the family pot.
In recent years, until 2008, available credit and buoyant economies have meant that there has been more money for families to enjoy.
In the seven years since 2000, property prices soared and for many, stocks boomed and pensions recovered.
Money has become more flexible
People can earn money in different ways, arrangements have become more sophisticated.
Bank accounts are more on-line making it easier to transfer money around.
The Euro is more transferable and it has become easier to own property overseas.
For those interested in statistics here are some relevant to divorce:
|
England and Wales Number of divorces |
|
|||||||
| 1991 | 2001 | 2006 | ||||||
| Husband | Wife | Husband | Wife | Husband | Wife | |||
|
All ages |
158,745 | 158,745 | 143,818 | 143,818 | 132,562 | 132,562 | ||
|
Under 20 |
50 | 321 | 11 | 97 | 7 | 67 | ||
|
20–24 |
6,477 | 14,639 | 1,607 | 4,546 | 1,336 | 3,458 | ||
|
25–29 |
27,753 | 35,582 | 11,713 | 18,231 | 7,925 | 13,182 | ||
|
30–34 |
33,532 | 33,195 | 27,480 | 31,489 | 18,087 | 21,409 | ||
|
35–39 |
27,957 | 25,661 | 31,322 | 31,164 | 25,954 | 27,479 | ||
|
40–44 |
25,199 | 21,979 | 25,470 | 23,190 | 26,682 | 26,128 | ||
|
45–49 |
16,896 | 13,607 | 18,048 | 15,501 | 20,879 | 18,471 | ||
|
50–59 |
15,408 | 10,543 | 21,585 | 15,905 | 23,565 | 17,833 | ||
|
60 and over |
5,454 | 3,199 | 6,580 | 3,693 | 8,114 | 4,522 | ||
|
Mean age at divorce (years) |
38.6 | 36.0 | 41.5 | 39.1 | 43.4 | 40.9 | ||
|
Source: National Statistics website |
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In 2005, the majority of divorces were granted to the wife (69%) and in 53% of these cases, the husband's behaviour was the reason given. For men awarded the divorce, the most common reason (32%) was two years' separation with consent.
One in five of all men and women getting a divorce in 2005 had already been through a divorce. This figure had nearly doubled since 1981.
Length of marriage
|
England and Wales |
||
| Median duration of marriage 1990 |
Median duration of marriage 2000 |
|
| Years | Years | |
|
Age of wife at marriage - Under 20 |
12.4 | 18.5 |
|
Age of wife at marriage - 20-24 |
9.8 | 12.4 |
|
Age of wife at marriage - 25-29 |
8.2 | 8.4 |
|
Age of wife at marriage - 30-34 |
8.1 | 7.6 |
|
Age of wife at marriage - 35-39 |
6.9 | 7.3 |
|
Age of wife at marriage - All ages |
9.8 | 10.7 |
|
Source: National Statistics website |