The Office for National Statistics (ONS) published figures recently that showed that there was a grand total of 106,959 divorces in 2016. This is an increase of 5.8% compared to the previous year and a jump of 10.9% since 1985. The figures also showed that:

• There were 8.9 divorces per 1,000 married opposite-sex couples in 2016
• The divorce rate was highest for men aged between 45 and 49, and for women in their 30s

Commenting on the figures, a spokesperson for the ONS, Nicola Haines, was keen to point out that although divorce rates have risen recently, they remain considerably lower than a peak more than a decade ago. She explained to the BBC:

"Although the number of divorces of opposite-sex couples in England and Wales increased by 5.8% in 2016 compared with 2015, the number remains 30% lower than the most recent peak in 2003; divorce rates for men and women have seen similar changes."

The statistics also show that a recorded drop in divorce rates between 2003 and 2009 was consistent with falling numbers of marriages within the same period, with more people choosing to cohabit rather than tie the knot.

Same sex divorces have only been possible in England and Wales since March 2014, but there were 112 recorded in 2016. This is a significant rise compared to 2015, when just 22 were recorded. The majority (78%) of the same sex divorces in 2016 were female couples.

Stagnant wages and debt putting a ‘strain on relationships’

The research showed that the number one reason given for divorces in England and Wales was ‘unreasonable behaviour’, with just over 50% of women and 36% of men citing it in their divorce cases. This rather vague term can refer to many things, from adultery, violence and excessive consumption of alcohol to being financially irresponsible, gambling and failing to contribute to household finances.

Chris Sherwood from Relate believes that worries about money and family finances could be playing a significant part in relationship breakdown for many divorcing couples. He explained:

"We know that money worries are one of the top strains on relationships and it may be that rising levels of household debt and stagnating pay growth could be contributing factors."

"Divorce is not something that people tend to take lightly but our research suggests that many people could have saved their marriage and avoided divorce with the right support.

"That is why we would encourage anybody experiencing relationship issues to access support such as counselling at the earliest possible stage."

If you are facing relationship breakdown and you need expert legal advice you can rely on, contact the divorce specialists at Tracey Miller Family Law, leading solicitors in the Liverpool area.