New figures have revealed that divorces in England and Wales rose to the highest level in five years in 2019, reaching a total of 107,599 amongst opposite-sex couples.
This figure is up 18.4 per cent on 2018, when there were 90,871 divorces, with the rate increasing from 7.5 to 8.9 per 1,000 married people.
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) also found that same-sex divorces almost doubled from 428 in 2018 to 822 in 2019 – with female couples accounting for three-quarters of divorces.
The ONS attributes much of the increase to well-publicised delays at divorce centres.
While changes to the law to allow for ‘no-fault’ divorce have completed their passage through Parliament, they will not come into effect until next autumn, meaning people must give one of five reasons for divorce.
Last year, 49 per cent of wives and 35 per cent of husbands cited unreasonable behaviour.
Surjit Verdi, a Partner with Palmers who specialises in family law, said: “The new ‘no fault’ divorce laws, which are due to take effect in 2021, will mean that separated couples will no longer be required to attribute blame to either party, removing the need to prove one of five grounds for divorce, such as adultery, unreasonable behaviour, desertion, or two or five years of separation.
“Despite the current divorce laws, it is still possible to deal with separation and divorce amicably through mediation or round table discussions with legal support for both parties.”
For help and guidance on matters relating to divorce and separation, please contact our family law team.