The Office for National Statistics (ONS) also found that the number of couples divorcing after five years together was also down. The divorce rate was found to have dropped by 39%, more than a third, compared to 25 years ago.
Showing that divorce rates are down across the board, the number of people married for 10 years who have separated was also down by around 20%.
Newlyweds normally an ‘at risk’ group for divorce
The reason that analysts looking at the ONS divorce data have focused on the recently married is because this can be a ‘make or break’ time for couples. As well as marriage being a real test for a relationship, many couples will also make the decision to have children within the first few years. This can put extreme pressure on any relationship, and some couples simply won’t make it.
What is causing the drop in divorce rates?
It is unlikely that there is one primary factor responsible for this drop in divorce rates for newlyweds, or the drop in divorce rates in general. Experts speculate that a number of things could explain the recent figures, including:
- Fewer couples feeling societal pressure to get married, instead choosing to marry for love when they are ready. Attitudes towards marriage seem to have softened, meaning that fewer couples are pressured into tying the knot and will do so when they have decided to make the commitment.
- A rise in cohabitation before marriage means that couples can get used to living together, reducing the chances of divorce after marriage
- More couples taking on a fairer share of household responsibilities – researchers noted that the number of women filing for divorce is also down and surprisingly, that this is one of the most influential reasons why divorce rates have dropped overall.
Predictions for the future
Looking at the most recent ONS statistics, experts from the Institute for Family Studies are able to make predictions on how long modern marriages will last. Looking at past data, which shows how many couples got divorced in relation to when they were married, the IFS is able to say:
“We now project that 35% couples getting married in the UK today will end up divorced, down from the 44% peak projection for couples who married in either 1986 or 1991. This projected lifetime risk for divorce is now at the same level as experienced by couples who married in 1972.”
Where to turn for help on divorce
If you’re facing divorce or simply want to find out more about your options and legal rights, please don’t hesitate to contact Liverpool divorce solicitors Tracey Miller Family Law. Please call us on 0151 515 3036 and we’ll be happy to help.