Family Law

The provisional divorce rate in England and Wales fell for a second consecutive year, and by 7 per cent compared with 2005, to 12.2 divorcing people per 1,000 married population in 2006. According to figures published by the Office of National Statistics on 30 August, the divorce rate is now at its lowest level since 1984. One in five men and women divorcing in 2006 had a previous marriage ending in divorce. This proportion has doubled in 25 years. In 1981 just over one in ten men and women divorcing had a previous marriage ending in divorce. For 69 per cent of divorces in 2006, the wife was granted the divorce. For all divorces granted, behaviour was the most common fact proven. For further information see: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=170.