Proportion of marriages ending in divorce is falling

According to the Office for National Statistics the number of divorces in England & Wales in 2011 has decreased by 1.7% since 2010
It is estimated that the percentage of marriages ending in divorce is 42%, compared with 45% in 2005.
Interestingly, the number of divorces in 2011 was highest among men and women aged 40 to 44.
The statistics for the number of marriages in 2011 are not yet available but it is worth noting that number of marriages in 2010 increased by 3.7% in comparison to 2009.

However, even with the increasing number of marriages, more and more people decide not to tie the knot these days.
Unfortunately, there is still a large number of people who believe that unmarried and cohabitating couples have legal rights because they are a ‘common law husband and wife’ and in the event of breakdown of the relationship they will be treated, in law, the same way as a married couple upon divorce. This could not be further from the truth.

Family law advice is needed to ensure that a cohabitation agreement is entered to properly. Please do not hesitate to contact a member of the team at James Maguire & Co who would be happy to assist you.

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 (including pensions), linked business issues, international aspects and any relevant issues concerning the children. We also offer legal advice in relation to matters covered in this blog.

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 529 456 or by email james.maguire@family-law.co.uk