With the arrival of new no-fault divorce laws coming into force in April this year, there is now no need to blame anyone for the reason you are officially untying the knot. The prospect of a less acrimonious divorce has made them more accessible and appealing for some couples, but is this the same in Manchester? We take a look at divorce rates in the capital of the North West.

Manchester divorce rates in comparison 

Known as the Gateway to the North, Manchester resides right next to the divorce capital of the UK, Blackpool. With a 13.13% divorce rate in the seaside town, it is understandable that the same pattern may follow 50 miles down the motorway. In divorce statistics from 2021, Manchester showed up as the city with the highest number of divorces in the UK, with a rate of 18%. Manchester’s city neighbour from the East, Leeds was the city with the least number of divorces (6%) with Edinburgh and Plymouth both standing at 7%. 

Regionally, the research pointed to the North West of England as having the second highest numbers at 16%, Scotland leading the way with the least number of divorces and Yorkshire and the Humber second to the Scots with just 8% of marriages ending in divorce. 

Overall divorce is on the decrease in Manchester and the rest of the UK 

Although the divorce rates in Manchester are some of the highest countrywide, the figures are still overall on the decline. Many couples are now choosing to cohabit with no intention of marrying, a way of life which has no doubt impacted the marriage figures, and therefore divorce rates.  Also, in general terms, if you are over 45 years of age, you are more likely to be getting a divorce, than if you are in the age bracket 25-24 years. 

Average age of population in Manchester 

Interestingly, Manchester is known as one of the youngest cities in the UK, and in 2017, it was named as such (next to London). The average age stands at around 31.3 years according to recent statistics. However, this does not tie in with the average age of divorce, suggesting that the divorce rates could be indicative of the areas around Manchester, and not in the city. As we see more and more property in the heart of the city, more people, including married couples will be moving in, providing more future potential for divorce rates to boom, especially with the onset of no-fault divorce laws which were brought in in April 2022.  

No Fault divorce laws 

Manchester could continue to lead the way with divorces in the UK, partly due to its large population size of approximately 2,770,000, and the popularity of the city for business, tourism and property. This increase could be accelerated thanks to the no-fault divorce laws brought in earlier this year. The new regulations mean that divorcing couples no longer have to state a reason for a divorce, a stipulation which has been necessary for many years if divorcing in the UK. 

Most common reason for divorce 

Unreasonable behaviour was typically the most common reason for divorce across the UK, a reason which many ex-spouses and lawyers believed inflamed and already difficult situation. Now the requirement has been removed, it is likely to urge more couples in Manchester who may have previously dismissed the idea of divorce, to now pursue it. As well as bumping up the rates across the UK, the new laws are also likely to have an impact on other towns and cities like Manchester with relatively dense populations.

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