Divorce and separation

In 2004, the number of divorces granted in the UK increased by 0.2 per cent to 167,116, from 166,737 in 2003. This is the highest number of divorces since 1996, and the fourth successive annual increase. This is 7.2 per cent lower than the highest number of divorces which peaked in 1993 at 180,018.

In England and Wales, the number of divorces fell slightly between 2003 and 2004, from 153,490 to 153,399. In 2004 69 per cent of divorces were to couples where both parties were in their first marriage. The corresponding proportion in 1984 was 78 per cent. This downward trend largely reflects the fall in the number of first marriages.