The study was carried out by Hall Brown Family Law, who looked into behavioural patterns within relationships that can lead to divorce. Even though individual couples have very different circumstances and the reasons they choose to separate can vary considerably, research is always trying to pinpoint the factors that lead to divorce.

What the researchers in this particular study found was that women were more likely than men to try to save a failing relationship. The main reason for giving the relationship another go is, unsurprisingly, children. Couples are willing to try again and aim to salvage the relationship to avoid the negative effect that splitting up could have on their children.

Since 1996, the number of women starting divorce proceedings against their husbands for adultery has dropped an enormous 43%. In the same period, there are an increase of around a third in the number of men using adultery as a reason to petition a court for a divorce.

Does this mean that fewer people are committing adultery?

According to the latest research, not necessarily. Researchers found that 20% of British people have cheated on their partners (and these are only the people able to admit it), which is not an insignificant number.

What’s more, common assumptions about the differences between men and women remain in place with other recent research – which found that an incredible 99% of men had either cheated or contemplated infidelity. This was extremely high compared to women, where 39% admitted an adulterous affair and a further 35% said that they’d thought about it.

A third of divorces happen when one partner “loses patience”

The Hall Brown research found that not all couples immediately separate when infidelity or bad behaviour is discovered. In fact, in a third of cases it is a matter of one partner forgiving past bad behaviour but finally losing patience when cheating happens again. This was the case for both men and women.

Family law solicitor Ellen Walker told the Independent:

“We are surprised time and again by the ability of some men and women to almost turn a blind eye to their partner’s misbehaviour,”

“However, the cases which we deal with illustrate how many people in such a situation find their patience ultimately exhausted, usually when the misconduct becomes too difficult for themselves and others to ignore.”

Where to turn for divorce advice

If you wish to start divorce proceedings due to infidelity, or your former partner is petitioning you for divorce, it’s crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible. The team at Tracey Miller Family Law, leading divorce solicitors in Liverpool, are on hand to help.Please give us a call on 0151 515 3036.