New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggest that there was a spike in the number of same-sex divorces recorded in England and Wales last year.
According to the data, there were five times as many same-sex divorces in 2016 as there were in 2015.
Same-sex marriage was only introduced in England and Wales in March 2014, and the following year gave way to just 22 same-sex divorces, the report reveals.
By comparison, there were as many as 112 divorces among same-sex couples recorded in 2016, the majority of which were between two women – accounting for 78 per cent of all same-sex divorces that year.
The most common grounds for divorce among same-sex couples was ‘unreasonable behaviour’, cited by 51 per cent of all homosexual women and 36 per cent of all homosexual men.
The data includes same-sex couples that first entered into a marriage overseas and civil partnerships that were later converted into marriages following March 2014.
Analysis of the ONS’ data also provides interesting insights into the divorce habits of heterosexual couples.
It reveals that men and women aged between 45 and 49 are now deemed most likely to divorce, and that the average duration of marriages ending in divorce is now approximately 12 years.
Overall, the total number of divorces recorded in 2016 was up by 5.8 per cent year-on-year.
MFG Solicitors’ family team can advise on divorce, separation and related financial disputes, as well as all other aspects of family law. For more information about how we could help you, please contact us.
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