It is suggested by lots of separation and divorce lawyers that divorce in London had seen a high increase in previous years with over 50% of relationships now concluding in divorce proceedings in the capital. Nevertheless, divorce proceedings in London in 2009 and 2010 has witnessed not just divorce proceedings in London but rather all across England & Wales drop to the minimum it has ever been for a number of years. But many situations signal that this might be on the increase.
There are a number of issues which have contributed to the decreased numbers of divorce in London. The most typical are the number of marriages to begin with and the quantity of separations opposed to divorces.
The figures for divorce in London can only be assessed depending on the actual amount of divorce cases and does not represent all those unmarried couples whose partnership relationship comes to an conclusion.
Social views have changed on, which had in the past shunned unmarried households - now they are becoming increasingly common for a number of factors. Many couples don't believe in divorce or are cynical in the perception that being married is just a bit of paper not to mention an expensive waste of time. In truth, a number of individuals have such tiny faith in their own marriage and sometimes even their own partner that they have already deemed that the partnership will not really last and for this reason exactly what is the point of marrying.
Others choose not to marry for economic issues. A wedding is an especially costly occasion often costing 1000's of pounds and with the financial problems getting at an all time low, this is an expensive and possibly luxury many individuals simply can't pay for.
Other people choose not marry simply for practicality. Couples that have met up later in life may already have their own children, property and life and so marriage may simply rock the boat.
If people are not getting married in the first place then it is no surprise that divorce in London is decreasing. This does not mean that relationships are lasting longer or even forever, it simply means that the surveys on divorce in London do not cover the common trend as many people simply choose not to marry in the first place.
What's to come?
The changes in society should indicate an increase in divorce in England & Wales and we may see this very soon. Those who do get married appreciate that the stigma attached to divorce is greatly reduced in society today, so people no longer feel ashamed to be divorced. The decline in the influence of religion is another factor.
Marriage is more highly valued in society, than previously and this is partly due to films, TV and the media who present an idea of marriage based on romance and happiness. This has caused people to expect and demand more from their own marriage and when it does not live up to their expectations then many more people simply draw a line under it, get divorced and look for husband (or wife) number 2.
Divorce Lawyers will tell you that divorces are also easier to obtain with online and quickie divorces readily available. The internet has attributed to this as information is readily available to anyone at the touch of a button and there are internet sites, which allow people to have a do-it-yourself divorce, provided the same is uncontested. And even then, people are choosing to represent themselves armed with internet based knowledge. No more does a divorce need to be shrouded in huge legal fees, and many more people are realizing this.
This has also led to more Divorce Lawyers offering fixed fee divorces where a matter is straight forward for those who would rather trust an expert.
So perhaps, whilst divorces may be at a low at the moment, this may be only temporary and we may see an increase like ever before in years to come.
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