Divorce Boom Hits UK as Pandemic and Recession Wreck Marriages
‘Divorce Week’ Sees Spike in Splits Every New Year
January to March is known as the peak season for divorce filings, with the first week of January nicknamed “Divorce Week.” Experts say the recent surge is driven by easier access to no-fault divorces — couples no longer need to state a reason to split. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlights the pandemic and recession as major pressure points pushing more couples to call it quits.
Divorce Numbers Soar in 2021
- 113,505 divorces granted in England and Wales in 2021 — a 9.6% jump from 2020’s 103,592.
- Coronavirus delays in family courts in 2020 partly explain last year’s spike.
- Unreasonable behaviour topped reasons for divorce among women (48.1%), while men cited this or two-year separation equally at 34.8%.
Recession and Lockdowns Fuel Marital Meltdown
Historical recessions — like those in 1990-1991, 2008-2009, and now the COVID crisis — sparked higher divorce rates. The current cost-of-living squeeze is making things worse, with long periods stuck indoors and job uncertainties hammering marriages.
Divorce-Online, a leading affordable divorce service, has seen a surge in demand as couples seek swift splits. Its founders warn, “Divorce is easier now, but sorting out finances is crucial. The split is just the beginning.”
Kitchen Table Settlements: Cheap but Risky
Many couples are skipping pricey lawyers and opting for “kitchen table settlements” — informal agreements hammered out at home. Divorce-Online surveyed over 1,500 couples who used its financial consent order service in 2022 and found more than half hadn’t spoken to a lawyer before filing.
“While sensible to start with, these DIY settlements often backfire, sparking lengthy disputes down the line,” the company cautions.
The message is clear: quick and cheap divorces may save money upfront but could cost lovers dearly later on.
