Date: 6 February 2012
Author: Stephen Williams

The number of divorces in the UK increased in 2010 for the first time since 2003 - a total of 119,589 divorces took place, according to the Office of National Statistics. This follows, in 2009, the lowest number of marriages since 1895 - a total of only 231,490. So, why do people seem to be turning away from the concept of marriage?

The increase in the divorce rate may in part be explained by current economic conditions, with the downturn in the economy over the last four years placing a strain on relationships. Buy why are less couples choosing to marry?

A recent US study found that two thirds of couples who lived together were worried about the ‘legal, emotional and economic consequences’ of relationship breakdown and wanted to avoid a messy divorce. It may well be that the same attitude applies in the UK; decisions in divorce cases are very case specific and the outcome can depend on which Judge you have on a given day. This creates uncertainty which may worry couples considering embarking on marriage who seek more security in the future.

The social stigma of having children outside marriage no longer exists in the same way as it did even as recently as 15-20 years ago, and the number of children whose parents live together but are unmarried is on the rise. Perhaps this means that fewer people feel the ‘need’ to marry.  However, unmarried couples do not have the same rights and responsibilities towards each other as a married couple. Whilst this may, in itself, provide a justification for some not to marry, it can leave people financially vulnerable if a relationship comes to an end.