By James Trevena

IntroductionThere has been a large increase in divorce and these

increases have been accompanied by, but not necessarily caused by, changes in the law, which have made divorce easier. Divorce in England and Wales has more than doubled in 1971-1985 following the Divorce Reform Act of 1971. If present trends continue, it is estimated that four in every ten marriages will end in divorce (Gibson, 1994). However, the increases in divorce have not occurred at a steady rate. For example, there was a marked peak around 1945. This was an effect of the ending of World War II.

During this century, divorce in Britain has increased by more than 200%. Clearly, divorce is a good example of a public issue.

Patterns and trends in divorce

The 1950s were relatively stable. In the 60s, divorce began to increase although there were no changes in the law. Since 1980, the number of divorces has only increased slowly.

The remarriage rate presents one of the most striking trends in family patterns in the last 30 years. In 1961, remarriages constituted 14% of all marriages in the UK. By 1991, the proportion was 30%. Divorce is also associated with single parenthood. A quarter of all children will witness their parents divorce before reaching the age of 16.

CohabitationBy 1992 it was estimated that

some 18% of unmarried men and women, aged 16-59 were living together. If these trends continue then the meanings of both marriage and divorce will have undergone important shifts.

In all these areas it is primarily the effects on women and children that have been the major focus of concern.

Number of Divorces, 1938 to 1999 in England and Wales

There were 140,837 divorces in England and Wales in 1999, a decrease of 1% from 1998 (141,543).

The peak year for divorce in England and Wales was 1990 with 155,239.

Facts on DivorceDivorce is a legal proceeding to dissolve a marriage. While a

divorce is taking place, there are usually a number of issues that the family and the court must address. These issues include the process for dissolving the marriage, providing for child custody and child support, alimony, dividing the property, and resolving all debts. In some states, the divorce proceedings will go more smoothly and quickly if the couple can agree on these issues. If these matters are settled early, fewer decisions will be left in the hands of the court. The actual process of obtaining a divorce begins with the filing of a petition for dissolution of marriage in the state court of the county where both or one of you reside. Most states require a certain waiting period between the date that the petition is filed and the earliest date that the divorce may be granted.

Effects of Divorce on childrenOver 60 percent of couples seeking a

divorce have children still living at home. For these children, the break up of the family begins a period of unparalleled stress and psychological pain. The first acute shock is often followed by intense fears, anger and grieving. Few children feel relieved by the decision to separate even in homes exhibiting neglect and abuse. Children prefer a bitter and violent family to the unknown terrors of a "broken home".