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In 2007, there were 128,232 divorces in England and Wales; the lowest number since 1977, and 18 per cent lower than the highest number of divorces, which peaked in 1993 at 180,018. Since 1994, the divorce rate has been approximately 12 to 14 people per 1000 of the married population(1).
Further statistics, research and news can be found on the following pages along with One Plus One’s comprehensive review of the research evidence on the causes of relationship breakdown.
1. National Statistics (2010) Marriage, divorce and adoption statistics Series FM2 no. 35 (London: The Stationery Office)
The consequences of divorce for financial living standards in later life More+
Divorce: Facts, causes and consequences More+
Non-residential fatherhood and child involvement: Evidence from the Millenium Cohort Study More+
Together apart: Children and parents experiencing separation and divorce More+
Number of divorces in the UK More+
Previous marital status at time of divorce More+
Length of marriage at divorce More+
Average age at divorce More+
Age of divorcees when they married More+
One Plus One's site The Parent Connection is specifically designed for parents who may be thinking about separating are separated and for those who would like to know more about co-parenting. The Parent Connection
One Plus One has recently completed a review of the impact of relationship breakdown on adults and children. When couples part: Understanding the consequences for adults and children was published in October 2009. The full report can be purchased from the publications section of the site. Alternatively you can download the executive summary here.
A One Plus One article entitled The varied impact of couple relationship breakdown on children: implication for policy and practice is featured in the journal Children & Society. You can view the absract or purchase the article by clicking here.
In 1999 One Plus One completed a comprehensive review of research evidence on the causes of relationship breakdown and the effectiveness of remedies that aim to prevent it. The research remains relevant on the subject and the papers can be downloaded using the links below.
Published by the Research Secretariat of the Lord Chancellor's Department, High divorce rates: the state of the evidence on reasons and remedies (Simons (ed.),1999).
Socio-demographic predictors of divorce
Effects of changing material circumstances on the incidence of marital breakdown
The effect of changing attitudes to marriage on its stability
Can marriage preparation courses influence the quality and stability of marriage?
How useful is relationship therapy?
What policy developments would be most likely to secure an improvement in marital stability?