Average marriage length hits record high as divorce rates face economic pressure
New data from the Office of National Statistics indicates that marriages ending in divorce in England and Wales are lasting longer than ever before. Legal experts suggest that the ongoing cost of living crisis is a primary factor causing couples to delay or avoid formal separation.
Market Narrative Detected
The narrative suggests that economic instability is trapping individuals in domestic arrangements they cannot afford to exit. This benefits legal firms and financial advisors who position themselves as essential guides for those navigating 'financial survival' during economic downturns.
Official figures released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) reveal that the average marriage ending in divorce in England and Wales reached 13 years in 2025. This marks the longest duration since records began in 1963, representing a significant increase from the 8.9-year average recorded in 1985.
Legal professionals, including Rebecca Aston-Jones of the firm Clarke Willmott, attribute this trend to the current economic climate. According to these experts, the financial strain caused by the cost of living crisis is forcing many couples to remain in marriages they might otherwise dissolve. The high costs associated with maintaining two separate households, combined with legal fees, appear to be acting as a deterrent to divorce. While the data confirms the record-breaking length of marriages, the correlation between these economic pressures and the decline in divorce filings remains a subject of analysis by family law practitioners.
📡 Media Analysis
How each outlet framed the story — angles, word choices, and what they chose to push or ignore.
Framed the data as a direct consequence of economic hardship affecting personal life choices.
"cost of living crisis"
🔍 What Nobody's Reporting
- ·Lack of data on whether the decline in divorce is also linked to a general decrease in marriage rates.
- ·No mention of potential changes in social or cultural attitudes toward divorce that might influence the statistics.
- ·Absence of data regarding the impact of government policy or legal aid availability on divorce accessibility.
📰 Sources
0 A-rated source(s) among 1 total. Lowest trust: The Guardian (B)