Figures just released from the government's Office for National Statistics reveal that last year in England and Wales, there were 107,599 opposite sex divorces, a sharp increase of over 18% on the figures for 2018. The number of same sex divorces in 2019 also increased dramatically. 'Unreasonable behaviour' was the most common reason cited for divorce.

Hayley Veale is a highly experienced divorce law practitioner at local solicitors Thatcher + Hallam LLP. She is also head of the firm's Family Law team.

'I know that there is some suggestion that the figures may well have been caused by some case backlog in the previous year, but these figures still come as a big surprise,' says Hayley.

'These latest figures of course relate to a period before the coronavirus arrived in March,' adds Hayley. 'The pandemic has put an enormous extra strain on many relationships. This is reflected in the number of enquiries that we have been taking since the Spring. I am also convinced that part of the reason for the 'hot' local property market has been because a substantial number of couples have had enough and have been looking for separate homes.'

What does Hayley forecast for the immediate future?

'I would certainly be surprised if the divorce figures for 2020 do not substantially increase, notwithstanding the difficulties faced by the Family Courts in coping with the workload during the pandemic,' she says. 'As for next year, sadly it looks as if the pandemic will be with us for at least the early part of 2021. It is also worth realising that 'no fault' divorces are due to be introduced in the Autumn of next year. That may well be a catalyst for a further jump in divorce applications.'

If you have an issue which you would like to discuss with Hayley and her colleagues at the firm's Family Law team, they can be contacted on 01761 414646 or by clicking HERE the T+ H site