- 105,961 divorce and dissolutions in England and Wales last year, a marginal 0.3% increase, according to national ONS data.
- Yet, WSP Solicitors saw a 16.5% rise in separation enquiries in one year in Gloucestershire.
- Couples are staying together longer before divorce, with marriages now lasting a record 13 years – debunking the ‘7-year itch’ myth.
- No fault divorce is now the norm and accounts for more than 94% of divorces and dissolutions.
- New data launched ahead of WSP Solicitors’ ‘First Steps to Separation’ webinar on 8 October.
Gloucestershire appears to be bucking the trend when it comes to divorce rates, according to new data released by local law firm, WSP Solicitors.
Separation enquiries to the firm have risen 16.5% in the last year despite latest Office of National Statistics revealing that rates have largely plateaued across England and Wales. Official figures just released show that the number of divorces and dissolutions rose by just 0.3% nationally to 105,961 in 2025 compared to the year before.
The increase in enquiries also comes as no-fault divorce continues to reshape the separation process. Introduced in 2022, the legislation removed the requirement for either party to assign blame and now accounts for more than 94% of divorces and dissolutions nationwide.
Yet, while WSP’s figures suggest that more couples in the county are seeking advice about separation, many are taking longer to make final decisions. ONS data shows the average marriage now lasts more than 13 years before divorce, the longest duration since current records began – also debunking the myth of the ‘7-year itch’.
According to the solicitors this national data reflects what the firm is also seeing locally with many of the enquiries it receives involving couples who have built lives, finances and families together over a decade or more.
Louise Kelly, a specialist family law solicitor at WSP Solicitors, said: “Many people who come to us have been married for 10 to 15 years or more, frequently they have children and are trying to untangle finances and family arrangements which they have built up over a lifetime together.”
The firm, which has offices in Gloucester and Stroud, has released its figures ahead of its first free to attend ‘First Steps to Separation’ webinar on 8 October in partnership with Chloe Dunk from Gloucestershire-based financial advice firm, Meta Advisors, and Divorce Coach, Claire Gilchrist.
Kelly continued: “As a direct result of no-fault divorce we are also hearing from more couples who want to work together to reach an agreement, whether through joint advice, collaborative law or mediation, rather than going through court. The legislation which has been in effect for a number of years now has helped to take some of the conflict out of the process, while concerns about court delays, uncertain outcomes and rising legal costs are also encouraging people to look for more constructive and cost-effective ways to move forward.”
Bringing together legal, financial and emotional support specialists, WSP’s webinar will provide practical guidance on legal rights and responsibilities, navigating financial considerations, and managing the emotional impact of a relationship breakdown in a confidential space.
Beth Evans, director and head of family law at WSP Solicitors, added: “Separation can feel overwhelming, particularly in the early stages when there are so many questions and uncertainties. This webinar has been designed to provide clear, practical guidance in plain English, helping people understand their options and feel more confident about the decisions ahead.”
For further information and registration details visit www.wspsolicitors.com.
