According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of married couples applying for divorce in England and Wales have reached their lowest level in 50 years.
Data shows there were 80,057 divorces granted in 2022, the lowest number of divorces since 1971. This is down by more than a quarter compared with 2021, when there were 113,505 divorces granted.
The Office for National Statistics says the numbers may have been affected by the introduction of the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act which came into effect in April 2022 and reformed the legal requirements and process for divorce. The reforms not only removed the so-called “blame game”, but they also introduced a minimum 20-week reflection period before parties are able to proceed with their divorce application.
Another reason for the decline in divorce applications could be that there have been fewer marriages. The Office for National Statistics for 2020 recorded the lowest number of marriages on record since 1838. However, it is more likely to be the effects of the cost-of-living crisis, rising interest rates, and Covid that have contributed to the stark decline in divorce rates. Many couples are being careful about making major decisions that could affect their financial stability, especially during these uncertain times.
