From No-Fault to New Norms: What the Latest UK Divorce Data Tells Us

Divorce in the UK is changing — not just in how it’s processed, but in why, when, and where it happens. The introduction of no-fault divorce in 2022 was a historic moment in UK family law, but nearly three years on, we're starting to see how that shift is affecting real people, real relationships, and real outcomes.

So what does the latest divorce data from 2024 and early 2025 actually tell us? The answer: we’re seeing fewer messy court battles, a rise in amicable separations, and subtle but significant demographic shifts.

Let’s unpack the numbers — and the new normal.

No-Fault Divorce: Simpler, Kinder, and Here to Stay

When the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 came into effect in April 2022, it revolutionised divorce in England and Wales. Couples no longer had to prove blame (like adultery or unreasonable behaviour) to file for divorce. They could even file joint applications.

Key outcomes since no-fault reform:

• Less conflict: Removing blame reduces emotional friction at the start.
   
• Faster resolutions: Couples now move through the process more efficiently.
   
• Increased accessibility: Divorce is less intimidating, especially for those in emotionally complex but non-abusive relationships.
   

Yet while legal barriers have lowered, social and financial pressures are still shaping how — and when — couples separate.

What the 2024–2025 Data Shows

Divorce applications down, completions up:

• Q1 2024: 27,908 divorce applications (a 11% decrease from Q1 2023).
   
• Q1 2024: 21,662 final orders granted (a 19% increase from previous year).
   

This suggests a shift toward quicker resolutions, possibly due to simpler processes, more mediation, or increased use of fixed-fee legal services.

Who initiates divorce?

The gender divide still exists:

• 63% of applications (in opposite-sex marriages) were initiated by women in 2021 — a trend likely holding post-reform.
   

Marriage longevity:

• The average duration of marriage at divorce in 2021 was 12.3 years.
   
• For couples married in 2011, only 1 in 5 had divorced by their 10th anniversary — deflating the “half of all marriages end in divorce” myth.

The Geography of Divorce: Still Coastal, Still Concentrated

Latest local authority data still points to coastal towns as divorce hotspots:

• Norwich, Hastings, Blackpool, Lincoln top the charts, with over 12% of their populations listed as previously divorced.
   

Why the coast?

• Affordability: Post-divorce, people often seek lower-cost living.
   
• Demographics: Older populations and higher deprivation rates correlate with higher divorce figures.
   
• Fresh starts: There's something symbolic about starting over by the sea.
   

Divorce and the Cost of Living

The ongoing cost of living crisis is straining relationships. Financial pressures remain one of the top reasons cited for marital breakdown. At the same time, the cost of getting divorced — from legal fees to dividing assets — is shaping how people approach the process.

We're seeing:

• A rise in DIY divorce applications.
   
• More couples opting for fixed-fee legal services.
   
• A growing appetite for one-lawyer divorce models, especially in amicable splits.

The Rise of the "Silver Splitters"

One of the most surprising trends? Divorce among over-60s is rising steadily:

• 23% increase in divorces among those aged 60+ over the last decade.
   

What’s behind it?

• Greater financial independence (especially among women).
   
• Later-life reassessment of personal happiness and identity.
   
• The normalisation of starting over at any age.

What the Data Doesn’t Show: Cohabiting Couples

There’s one major blind spot in the UK divorce picture: cohabiting couples.

• The ONS doesn’t track breakups among unmarried couples.
   
• These relationships have no legal protection under divorce law.
   
• As cohabitation rises (now the fastest-growing family type), this omission leaves a growing number of families unseen and unprotected.
   

This is fuelling calls for legal reform, with campaigners urging for cohabitation rights legislation — especially where children or shared property are involved.

From Legal Reform to Social Norms

We’re not just witnessing a shift in legal process — we’re seeing a shift in social expectations.

Divorce is now:

• Less stigmatised
   
• Less legally combative
   
• More emotionally mindful
   

Couples are prioritising low-conflict outcomes, especially when children are involved. There's a stronger emphasis on mediation, co-parenting plans, and forward-focused financial arrangements.

Final Thoughts: Data with a Human Story

The latest UK divorce data tells a story of transition: from fault to fairness, from courtrooms to conversation. While the numbers matter, every statistic represents a deeply personal journey.

If you’re navigating separation in 2025, know this: you’re not alone, and the system — while still imperfect — is becoming more supportive, streamlined, and humane.

Thinking about divorce?
Let our team atParachute Law guide you through with expert advice, fixed fees, and a compassionate approach. The first step is easier than you think