Divorce on the increase again?

Divorce on the increase again?

Figures suggest that divorce is on the increase, again.

Divorce petitions increased by almost 9,000 in 2018 compared to 2017.

But, the number of completed divorces, to decree absolute, has fallen below 100,000 mark for the first time since 1971.

There are concerns that we are seeing a return to the increase trend for divorce.

The decline in the numbers has been seen consistently since 2003.

2017 could have been a ‘blip’.

2017 saw the lowest divorce levels, but this could be due to the problems occurring at computerised divorce centres. These were set up to speed up the divorce system.

Samantha Lee, head of Family law at Swain & Co Solicitors, explains,

“2017 was a year of a new system which encountered problems. Whilst it was meant to speed things up, it in fact had the opposite effect in its infancy. The latest annual figure could simply explain an increase through processing the backlog.”

“It is important to not scaremonger here. We are at the point of  divorce reforms which would help simplify the divorce process and/or see fault removed. These reforms are needed to help ease the burden on our family courts.”

Ministers have accepted that reforms could lead to short term increases in divorce numbers.

Samantha says,

“The reforms are not about making it easier for couples to divorce. It is about making the process less stressful on families and less time consuming.”

See our earlier post about possible divorce reforms.

There are many options if you are seeking a divorce.

You can represent yourself, use a family lawyer on a pay  as you go system, have legal representative handle all the paperwork and process OR family mediation.

To discuss your options for free, call our family law team on 02392 483322 or fill in our enquiry form and we will contact you back.