Data Shows Marriage Is On The Decline And A Need For Law Reform On Cohabiting Couples
Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows marriage is on the decline, and emphasises the need for law reform to protect cohabiting couples
The proportion of adults who have never married or been in a civil partnership has increased every decade from 26.3% in 1991 to 37.9% in 2021, and the proportion of adults who are married or in a civil partnership (including separated) has fallen from 58.4% in 1991 to 46.9% in 2021.
This trend is especially marked in the 25 to 29 years age group, where 73.9% chose not to marry or be in a civil partnership in 2011 rising to 84.2% in 2021. The increase for those aged 30 to 34 years was from 49.2% in 2011 to 58.9% in 2021.
The proportion of adults who are divorced has remained similar in 2021 (9.1%) and 2011 (9.0%), though the proportion of younger adults who are divorced has decreased while the proportion of older adults has increased.
More and more couples are choosing to cohabit, but their legal position remains complex and uncertain. Many couples believe there is ‘common law marriage’, when in fact no such protection in law exists. These statistics add weight to the calls for reform in this area, so that the law catches up with the reality of how many couples are choosing to live, and provides adequate financial protection to families when those relationships end.
The ONS Press Release, with links to the full Statistical Release, can be found here.
Author Name: Editor
Published content by The Divorce Surgery Editorial Team.
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