Divorce rates rise sharply over century

Figures from the Office for National Statistics have been released to compare population trends in England and Wales between 1911 and 2010.

The data reveals that in 2010 the number of couples arranging divorces was 119,589. This was compared to just 580 couples in 1911 – showing that more than 200 times the number of couples divorce today than a century ago. The 2010 figure worked out at more than 10 divorces for every 1,000 married couples.

The data for 1911 was taken from the 74th Annual Report of the Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages in England and Wales in 1911. The figures, released to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, indicate that values have shifted in the years between 1911 and 2010.

For example, statistics show that even though the population in 2010 was almost double that of 1911 the number of marriages per thousand people almost halved. In 1911, 15.2 people were recorded to have married for every 1,000. However, in 2010 this had reduced to 8.7 for every 1,000.

IBB Solicitors commented:

“Marriage is no longer the bedrock of society. We now have many family make-ups that would have been unimaginable in the 1970s, let alone 100 years ago.”

Our Family and Matrimonial team helps families across West London and Bucks. For advice, contact a member of the team, call us on 01494 790058 or email familylaw@ibblaw.co.uk.