DIVORCE STATISTICS


Resolution is again backing calls for divorce law reform in England and Wales after newly released statistics highlight the flaws of a “blame centred” divorce process. The latest figures released today by the Office for National Statistics show that behaviour and adultery were cited in the vast majority of divorces.

In 2008, of all decrees awarded to one partner (rather than jointly to both), 67 per cent were awarded to the wife. In more than half of the cases where the divorce was granted to the wife, the husband’s behaviour was the fact proven. Of the divorces granted to the husband, the most common fact proven was the wife’s behaviour (34 per cent of cases).

Resolution, contends that this is because couples cannot currently get a divorce without having to blame one another for unreasonable behaviour or adultery unless they wait for two years.

Family break ups are a sad fact of modern life. With one in three children experiencing the breakup of their parents’ relationship before their 16th birthday, it’s essential that conflict is kept to a minimum when families separate. But, as these figures show, the present system encourages mud-slinging and blame. At the moment couples not wanting to blame one another have to wait two years before they can get a divorce. But for many, waiting two years to sort out their finances rules out this option.

Resolution is calling for a new system whereby couples can divorce on the grounds of “irretrievable breakdown” of their marriage with a maximum waiting period of six months. We urgently need to replace this blame centred divorce process with a civilised process for a civilised society.

Comments

Anonymous said…
We have a "no fault" system here in Washington State. Basically, a spouse can walk away from a marriage any time, for any reason or no reason, and after 90 days the divorce may be complete if all the necessary documents are filed. If disagreements about financial settlement, child custody, or spousal support lead the parties into court, the judge is forbidden to consider any "marital misconduct" when making her decisions. I find this system makes light of the marriage commitment and does a real disservice to spouses who are abandoned through no fault of their own, especially after marriages of 20, 25, 30 years or more. I feel that those who cheat, deceive, lie, or mistreat their spouses should pay a penalty in the terms of the divorce. Why have "no fault" states like Washington made it so easy to walk away from a marriage with no serious repercussions?
Jay Parmar said…
According to estimates, almost one half of all marriages will ultimately end in divorce. Since increasing the well-being of children is the alleged goal of the marriage promoters, it would seem logical that some effort would be made to help the divorce process to be less of a traumatic experience for children. Children brought up by separate parents or divorced parents are always unhappy and seems to vent their anger on the society. Even though they pretend to be happy, innermost they seem to have missed a greatest thing-the joy of living with both parents. Sometimes,divorce is not the solution to the dispute in the family but one of the partners tend to seek liberty for his or her infidelity. Parents should try and think twice for the sake of the children and their future. Click here for more information.
Anonymous said…
divorce is hard for everyone. usually you want to avoid it, but sometimes you must do it. its all about grounds for divorce, check here what i'm talking about
leah hanna said…
There are times when relationships of couple are put into test.This circumstances will prove if their strong or not.Unfortunately,during this times, some couples think that the only solution to their problem is divorce. Not knowing what will be the effect of it to their children.Know more about children and divorce.

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