Is Divorce becoming fashionable?

According to recent figures from the Office of National Statistics, there was a 9.6% rise in divorces from 2020 to 2021. While the bulletin highlights the impact of the pandemic and subsequent delays in processing, it appears there is an upward trend in filing for divorce in England and Wales. We look at some of the ways in which

• Gender roles and society are changing

The roles of both motherhood and fatherhood have developed in recent decades. Employment opportunities for women have increased and they are experiencing greater financial independence. This gives rise to a larger number of women more confident in leaving an unhappy marriage where they may have previously stayed for financial security. In addition, we are no longer solely influenced by the institute of religion for moral guidance on marriage. Across the world, it is more socially and culturally acceptable for couples to divorce if they are unhappy.

• The impact of social media

Living in an age of social media by aspiring and trying to conform to images and profiles can give us an unrealistic view of what marriage is.  Couples today are often expecting more from their marriages, despite societal shifts.  They seek to carve out a ‘perfect marriage’ with someone who is an ideal parent, partner, lover and emotional companion. If these needs are not met or there is one element out of place, this can be enough to file for some couples to divorce. Not only this but social media can play a role in affecting relationships. Recent reports reveal that social media is a factor in one in seven divorces.

• The ease of getting a divorce

Getting a divorce has not always been straightforward. Overtime, legal changes have made things easier. Perhaps one of the first most significant pieces of legislation to change things was the Matrimonial Causes Act 1923 which made it possible for a spouse to petition divorce based on adultery of the other partner. Furthermore, in 1969, the Divorce Reform Act shifted things by allowing spouses to divorce on the grounds that only one person wanted it. Interestingly, the ongoing changes in divorce law have resulted in more women petitioning for divorce and have arguably contributed to an overall rise over the years.

• The introduction of no-fault divorce laws

In April 2022, new divorce laws were introduced in England and Wales. Family court data from the Ministry of Justice points to the impact of the laws with a quarterly report that highlights 333,234 new applications under the new laws from April 2022 – June 2022. Experts predict this will continue to rise due to many actively waiting for the laws to come into force. The new laws are widely perceived as offering a simpler divorce process. This is because there is no requirement for spouses to apportion blame, as was previously required.

• The impact of the recession

It is well documented that finances in general can give rise to marital disputes, and as we continue to move through the cost-of-living crisis, some believe the extra financial strain could result in more divorces. Historically, the 2008 recession also showed an increase in divorce rates, as statistics show a rise of 4.9 in 2010 possibly resulting from the financial crisis a few years earlier.

Conclusion

Over the last century it is clear to see that divorces are indeed becoming more ‘fashionable’ or perhaps more socially accepted. Changes in the role of women, new societal norms, and new legislation combined demonstrate the route divorce has already taken. With further developments in culture and economics in recent years, the rise looks set to continue.