“WE’RE CAUGHT IN A TRAP, I CAN’T WALK OUT”: THREE-FIFTHS OF UNHAPPILY MARRIED BRITS FEEL THEY CAN’T GET DIVORCED DUE TO THEIR FINANCES

06 January 2025

New research commissioned by Co-op Legal Services reveals that almost three-fifths* (59%) of married Brits who want to divorce shared that they felt they couldn’t due to their personal finance situation
A similar number (60%) said they feel they can’t due to having children
Approximately 1 in 6 (16%) of people in marriages or civil partnerships have considered getting a divorce, even if their spouse/civil partner was unaware
The leading cause of divorce is infidelity, with a third** (33.4%) of those who have been or are currently going through a divorce citing it as the main factor in their decision to end their marriage
Couples are together four and a half years on average before getting married, and those who are divorced were married to their spouse for seven years on average before ending their marriage

New research commissioned by Co-op Legal Services reveals millions of married Brits may want to file for divorce but feel that their current circumstances are preventing them from taking this step.

Survey findings from the member-owned organisation show that almost three-fifths (59%) of married individuals who have considered divorce feel they can’t end their marriage due to financial reasons, whilst a similar number (60%) feel the same due to having children.

Approximately 9 in 10 (88%) married people believe that unhappily married couples who have children stay together because they have children. Of those who are divorced and have children, more than half (51%) shared that they had delayed their divorce for the sake of the kids.

Similarly, almost half (49%) of those who are divorced said they delayed proceedings due to financial reasons.

It appears that many married individuals have secretly contemplated ending their relationship as almost 1 in 5 (16%) of those who are married or in a civil partnership shared that they have considered asking for a divorce in their current relationship, even if their spouse/civil partner was unaware.

The research also reveals that couples are together on average four and a half years before getting married, whilst the seven-year itch is very much alive and kicking as the survey data reveals marriages which end in divorce tend to have lasted seven years on average.

Being unfaithful is the leading cause of divorce, with a third (33.4%) citing infidelity as the main factor in their decision to legally end their marriage. This was followed by growing apart (29.5%) and communication issues (15%).

When it comes to who makes the first move, just one-quarter (23%) of those who are divorced or currently going through divorce said that the divorce was initiated mutually with their spouse.

Ben Evans, Lead Family Law Solicitor at Co-op Legal Services, said:

"As much as we hope that a marriage will last forever, unforeseeable factors such as financial issues, growing apart, and infidelity sometimes arise which can break down a marriage.

“Getting divorced can be complicated further when the couple has children to consider or if they feel their finances do not allow for them to go their separate ways. I would advise anyone considering a divorce to seek support, whether that be with trusted family and friends, or through an independent service."

"There is a wealth of resources available to help those who are considering a separation. People can seek legal advice early to provide peace of mind, or to discuss the implications of divorce and the available options."

You can find out more about Co-op Legal Services here: https://www.co-oplegalservices.co.uk/family-law-solicitors/

ENDS

Notes to the Editor * Research commissioned by Co-op Legal Services and conducted by Opinion Matters, among a sample of 1000 UK respondents (aged 18+) who are married or in a civil partnership. ** Research commissioned by Co-op Legal Services and conducted by Opinion Matters, among a sample of 1000 UK respondents (aged 19+) who have been or are currently going through a divorce.

About Co-op Legal Services: Co-op Legal Services is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, providing legal services in England and Wales. It is one of the largest providers of estate planning and probate services in the UK, with specialist practices in family law, serious injury and medical negligence. Co-op Legal Services’ mission is to help people understand the law, to use the law to protect their future and that of their loved ones. It achieves this by providing accessible, engaging, professional legal advice and support through a blend of digital and 1-2-1 specialist advice. Co-op Legal Services is part of the Co-op Group

About Co-op Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates over 2,300 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 4,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.

Employing almost 55,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11billion and is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.

For further information, please contact pressoffice@coop.co.uk