Divorce Rate - 2004 (UK)

The divorce rate fell by 0.1% in 2004 (England and Wales). It fell from 153,490 in 2003 to 153,399 in 2004 (a drop of just 91 divorces). Although this may seem insignificant, it is important to realise that this is the first drop in the divorce rate since year 2000. However, the bad news is that the figure still remains the second highest since 1996!

Other statistics relating to the divorce rate in England and Wales include:

• The provisional divorce rate remained at 14 divorces per 1000 married population in 2004.
• The highest divorce rate belonged to people in their mid to late twenties.
• The average length of marriage for divorcees were 11.5 years in 2004, up from 11.3 years in 2003.
• 69% of divorces were between couples where both partners had been married for the first time. However, only 10% of divorces were between couples who had been married before.
• 69% of the divorces were granted to the wife, of which, 52% were granted based on the husband's behaviour.
• 53% of couples divorced had at least one child aged less that 16.
• The divorce rate in UK (including Scotland and Northern Island) increased in 2004 by 0.2%.
• Out of 167,193 petition filled for divorce in 2004, 153,399 divorces were granted.

The detail of the divorce rates in England and Wales between 1981 and 2004 can be found below:

Divorce rate in England and Wales (1981-2004)


Age of people divorced in England and Wales (1981-2004)

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