Release Date: Tuesday 1st February 2022
Divorce rates down in 2020
The latest divorce figures for England and Wales (2020) from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) were published today.
Main points:
- In 2020, there were 103,592 divorces granted in England and Wales, a decrease of 4.5% compared with 2019; of these, the majority were among opposite-sex couples (98.9%).
- There were 102,438 opposite-sex divorces in 2020, decreasing by 4.8% from 107,599 in 2019
- In 2020, there were 1,154 divorces among same-sex couples, increasing by 40.4% from 2019; of these, the majority continued to be accounted for by female same-sex divorces (71.3%).
- Unreasonable behaviour was the most common reason for wives petitioning for divorce among opposite-sex couples in 2020, accounting for 47.4% of petitions; for husbands, the most common reason for divorces was a two-year separation, accounting for 34.7% of divorces followed by 33.8% for unreasonable behaviour.
- For same-sex divorces, unreasonable behaviour was the most common reason for divorce in 2020 for both female and male couples; unreasonable behaviour accounted for 55.2% of female divorces and 57.0% of male divorces.
Aidan Jones, Chief Executive at Relate said:
"There has been much speculation about whether the pandemic would lead to an increase in divorces but today’s statistics show this has not so far held true. From counselling couples and individuals during successive lockdowns and from our own research, we know the pandemic brought pre-existing relationship tensions to a head – particularly around issues like parenting styles, finances and trust. Many of the couples we supported were able to work on their communication and overcome these problems. The majority of those who didn’t would have struggled to get a divorce granted in 2020 in between all the restrictions and temporary suspension of family courts. However, the effects of the pandemic on relationships – both good and bad- are likely to be felt for some time and it will be interesting to see what the statistics for 2021 and 2022 show.
“The rise in divorces among same sex couples in 2020 was significant but you would naturally expect divorces to increase in line with the number of married same sex couples. It’s difficult to speculate about why rates among female same sex couples remain high and it would be an interesting area for more research. All relationships experience difficulties regardless of sexual orientation and we would encourage anyone who is struggling to seek support such as counselling at the earliest possible stage. Relate’s Separation Planner is also a useful online tool which can help you work out if you are ready to separate and make informed decisions.
“Unreasonable behaviour is still the most common reason given for divorce apart from for husbands in heterosexual marriages (where the majority opted for a two-year separation), followed by unreasonable behaviour. We will watch with interest to see what impact the introduction of no-fault divorce in April has on these statistics. We very much support the move which will help to end the ‘blame game’ and is in the best interests of any children involved.”
ENDS
For all media enquiries including interviews with Aidan Jones or Relate Counsellors contact Sarah Osmik on 020 7554 2895 or sarah.osmik@relate.org.uk. For urgent out of hours enquiries call 07875 049415.
Notes to editors:
- Relate is a registered charity number 207314
- Relate champions the importance of strong and healthy relationships for all as the basis of a thriving society.
- Relate provides impartial and non-judgmental support for people of all ages, gender identities and sexual orientations at all stages of couple, family and social relationships.
- Over 5.6 million people every year access information, support and counselling from Relate but it's clear many more would benefit from support.
- For more information visit: www.relate.org.uk.