Divorce Rates Released

Divorce rates had been falling since 2004 but the Office of National Statistics has released figures which show that there was a surge in divorce proceedings in 2009 and there have been further increases in 2010 and 2012.

The Office for National Statistics have said,

“One theory suggests that recession could contribute to a rise in partnership break-ups because of increased financial strain, changed in employment and related lifestyle changes.”

The theory that the recession and economic recovery can have an impact upon divorce certainly has merit but the recent increase may also be attributed to the slowly improving economy which leads people to believe that they are now able to afford to divorce both in terms of the actual costs of divorce and financially sustaining themselves afterwards.

The figures also show that the average age for divorce is between 40 and 44 with 65% of divorce proceedings initiated by the Wife and the most common factor relied upon being the Husband’s unreasonable behaviour. In reality, whoever divorces who does not make a material difference to the proceedings, save that one party is in control of the procedure and if there is no sharing of the costs, the Petitioner bears the majority of the costs.

James Maguire & Co is a specialist firm of Family Law and Divorce Law solicitors based in Wilmslow, Cheshire. We offer legal advice to parties going through a divorce including the financial issues which flow from this and children matters including child maintenance.

We can also advise on Schedule1 Children Act 1989 applications.

We advise clients in the Wilmslow area and also to the surrounding areas of Alderley Edge, Bramhall, Hale, Altrincham, Manchester and the North West. We are also able to act for clients nationally and internationally subject to the jurisdiction of England and Wales. For advice please contact James Maguire by telephone +44 (0) 1625 529456 or by email james.maguire@family-law.