Divorces among opposite-sex couples
Even though marriages follow a downward trend, the number of divorces in 2019 reached 107,599, an increase from 90,871 divorces in 2018 and the highest number of divorces since 2014 when there were 111,169 divorces. Out of all the divorces in 2019 only 297 marriages were nullified. See more about annulment of marriage: https://wendyhopkins.co.uk/annulment-of-marriage/
Divorces among same-sex couples
The number of divorces for same-sex couples in 2019 was 822 with 233 divorces relating to male couples and 589 relating to female couples. Out of 822 same-sex divorces, 2 of their marriages were nullified.
Age of individuals getting divorced
| Men’s age at divorce (opposite-sex couples) | Women’s age at divorce (opposite-sex couples) | Men’s age at divorce (same-sex couples) | Women’s age at divorce (same-sex couples) | |
| Under 20 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 20 to 24 | 129 | 413 | 3 | 10 |
| 25 to 29 | 1,976 | 3,470 | 16 | 67 |
| 30 to 34 | 6,284 | 8,169 | 39 | 132 |
| 35 to 39 | 9,264 | 10,571 | 47 | 109 |
| 40 to 44 | 9,671 | 10,241 | 28 | 80 |
| 45 to 49 | 11,169 | 10,946 | 21 | 54 |
| 50 to 54 | 10,523 | 9,608 | 13 | 45 |
| 55 to 59 | 7,654 | 6,118 | 7 | 22 |
| 60 and over | 8,322 | 5,568 | 13 | 18 |
| Age not stated | 42,605 | 42,494 | 279 | 641 |
Divorce and marriage statistics 2020
Due to the coronavirus pandemic it is anticipated that the number of marriages will drop dramatically due to venues being cancelled/ closed, group gatherings being restricted and wedding dates being postponed until 2021. It is possible we will see lower than expected divorce rates in the 2020 statistics also due to the pandemic causing delays in the court system and couples being forced during lockdowns to live together.
Remote hearings are however helping to relieve pressure. See more about remote hearings: https://wendyhopkins.co.uk/family-law-what-to-expect-from-remote-hearings/
*Data source: Latest research from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) – Divorces in England and Wales – 2019: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/divorce/bulletins/divorcesinenglandandwales/2019