Divorce rates continue to fall

The latest release of divorce figures by the Office for National Statistics, shows that there were 111,169 divorces in England and Wales in 2014, a decrease of 3.1% compared with 2013 and a decline of 27% from a peak in 2003.

Nicola Haines, on behalf of the Office for National Statistics has stated:

‘Compared with 2004, divorce rates in 2014 were lower for all age groups except women aged 55 and over. Likely factors include increased cohabiting and increasing age at first marriage. Previous research indicates a higher risk of divorce among those marrying at younger ages, whilst cohabitation may be reducing the number of weaker relationships progressing to marriage.’

The statistics also show that the average age of divorcees is continuing to rise. This may partly be due to attitudes of modern society towards the divorce becoming more relaxed in the past 20 years. People are realising that they do not have to stay in unhappy relationships and it is possible to build new relationships no matter what age you decide to get divorced. To see a full copy of the statistics report click here:

http://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/divorce/bulletins/divorcesinenglandandwales/2014