Divorce rates in England and Wales have fallen to their lowest since 1971, with experts attributing the decline to the rising cost of leaving a marriage. According to data from the Office for National Statistics, the number of divorces granted in 2022 was down by more than a quarter (29.5 per cent) from 2021. This is despite new legislation introduced in 2020 that simplified the process by removing the concept of fault.
A survey by Stowe Family Law found that 60 per cent of couples believe the cost of living has negatively impacted their relationship, while 30 per cent say they are staying together solely because they cannot afford to live alone. One woman, Mary*, 41, from Somerset, described being trapped in an unhappy marriage with no viable way out.
Mary said she and her husband have been incompatible since they met in 2014, with disagreements over parenting styles, holidays, and even where to keep tea towels. ‘There’s a lot of resentment,’ she said. ‘I’ve got zero patience left. I’ll avoid eye contact or dodge any physical affection. At night we sit on the same sofa but there feels like there’s an ocean between us.’
The dynamic has become increasingly unequal, with Mary taking on most of the parenting while her husband is the primary earner. She feels guilty but knows the marriage is over. However, she cannot afford to leave. ‘I spend hours searching Right Move for properties near my mum, but there’s no way I’d be able to afford the rent on a three-bed on my salary alone – even with child maintenance.’
With two children aged 16 months and three in nursery, childcare costs would be astronomical. Having no savings, Mary fears returning to credit card debt, which previously impacted her mental health. ‘Every time I hear about water bills or gas bills going up, it’s a kick in the stomach,’ she said. ‘Some days I wonder…’
