New Marriage Statistics in England and Wales

New Marriage Statistics in England and Wales

The Pros And Cons Of A Pre-nup

The Office for National Statistics has just released census figures for the years 2020, 2021, and 2022 that point to a significant change in marriage trends throughout England and Wales. The modern family unit is apparently evolving fast, and couples’ choices surrounding cohabitation, marriage, and civil partnerships is beginning to clearly reflect this.

Most significantly, these figures demonstrate a drop in marriage rates overall, with a first-time change in the majority now resulting in less than 50% of couples being married or in a civil partnership. An influencing factor here is the evident rise in the popularity of partners living together without officiating their relationship. Statistics now show that this living arrangement has steadily risen from 19.7% in 2012 to 22.7% in 2022, meaning that roughly 6.8million people cohabit while being unmarried within England and Wales.

Legal professionals increasingly note that the common nature of this lifestyle has fuelled many misconceptions surrounding the rights of such partners in the event of their separation. The idea of ‘common law marriage’ is perhaps the most wide-spread erroneous belief held in this respect, which purports that partners are entitled to the same legal protections as married couples if they have been living together for a ‘long enough’ period of time. However, current legislation does not support this assumption at all. In fact, cohabiting partners are only able to make very limited financial claims against their partner in the event of a separation. Despite the ‘common law marriage’ concept, the range of claims available for cohabiting couples, in comparison to married couples, are extremely restricted.

Interestingly, civil partnerships have increased however, with figures doubling from 120,000 in 2012 to 222,000 in 2022 (this includes the introduction of opposite-sex civil partnerships in 2019). Same-sex marriage is also on the rise and statistics now show a dramatic increase in this choice from a mere 26,000 cases in 2015 to a significant 167,000 cases in 2022. From a gender standpoint, 61.2% of these marriages were between male partners, with the remaining 38.8% being between females. However, these figures pale in comparison to the larger 99.3% majority of marriages in England and Wales which are between opposite-sex couples.

These changes in couples’ lifestyle choices have not gone unnoticed by the government, as many have begun to question whether certain legal frameworks surrounding marriage are now becoming antiquated. In particular, there has been some heightened discussion regarding whether new legislation should be implemented to allow for specialised maintenance or financial support claims to be legitimately made by unmarried cohabitating couples who are separating and facing the challenge of having to stand alone financially. This also coincides with the Ministry of Justice having commissioned The Law Commission of England and Wales last year to launch a full-scale review of the now 50-year-old laws which determine how finances are divided among couples after divorce in this country.

Whether you are cohabiting with a partner whom you’ve chosen to separate from or are married and looking to get divorced, we at Grayfords understand how important it is to give our clients the agency they need to be able to make these choices without having to fear dire financial repercussions. We can assist you to make financial arrangements that are equitable and in your best interests as you navigate your separation and can also help you to obtain closure on other important factors such as child custody, protective injunctions, and pensions and wills if necessary. Don’t hesitate to book a free consultation today to speak with one of our solicitors about how we can help.

Scroll to Top

Success

Your submission was successful.

Regular Catch-up Strategies


At Grayfords, we understand the importance of developing effective strategies to achieve the desired outcomes for our clients in family law and private client law matters. That's why we prioritise regular catch-up strategies to ensure that your case is handled efficiently and aligned with your goals. 

As experienced family and private client lawyers, and strategy experts, we recognise that every case is unique and requires a tailored approach. Through regular catch-up sessions, we engage in open and collaborative discussions with our clients to gain a thorough understanding of their objectives, concerns, and preferences. These ‘catch-ups’ allow us to assess the progress of your case, identify any evolving needs or challenges, and adjust our strategies accordingly. We are also then able to put in place any personal support our clients may need should they wish to avail themselves of our coaching and therapy & mental health services at any point during their legal matter.

By maintaining regular communication, we can provide you with updates on the status of your case, share important information, and address any questions or concerns you may have. This proactive approach ensures that you are actively involved in the decision-making process and empowers you to make informed choices throughout the legal proceedings. 

Our aim is to ensure that your case is being handled in the most efficient and effective way possible. Through our regular catch-up strategies, we can evaluate the success of our current strategies, make necessary adjustments, and optimise our approach to maximise the chances of achieving a favourable outcome for you. 

At Grayfords, we value your input and understand that your goals are essential to the success of your case. Our commitment to regular catch-up strategies reflects our dedication to providing personalised and client-centered legal services. By working together, we can create a strong partnership and develop strategies that align with your vision and aspirations. 

Strategic Partnerships​


At Grayfords, we believe in the power of strategic partnerships to enhance the quality and efficiency of our legal services. We understand that legal matters often require expertise in various specialised areas, and that's why we have established strong relationships with trusted and renowned specialists in both family law, private client law, and therapy and mental health support.

Our strategic partnerships enable us to provide a streamlined and comprehensive legal service to our clients. When your case requires consultation or assistance in specific areas of the law, we have the resources and connections to quickly and efficiently engage the right experts. 

Whether it's a complex family law issue or a multifaceted private client law matter, our network of trusted specialists allows us to draw upon their knowledge and experience to provide the best possible advice and representation for our clients. These partnerships ensure that we can offer comprehensive solutions that address all aspects of your case, providing you with a holistic approach to your legal (and personal) needs. 

By collaborating with specialists in various legal fields, we can navigate intricate legal challenges more effectively, saving you time, effort, and potential complications. Our commitment to strategic partnerships means that we stay informed about the latest developments in family law and private client law, ensuring that our advice and strategies are up-to-date and relevant. 

At Grayfords, we value the importance of offering a well-rounded legal service to our clients. Our strategic partnerships enable us to tap into a wealth of expertise and resources, ultimately enhancing the quality and effectiveness of our services. You can trust that we have the necessary connections to consult with specialists whenever needed, ensuring that every aspect of your case is addressed with proficiency and efficiency while also supporting you on a personal level as needed.

Time for you


At Grayfords, we understand the value of time, and we prioritise our clients by ensuring that they receive the attention and support they need throughout their legal journey. Unlike other family law and firms, we never claim to be too busy for our clients. We believe that effective communication is essential, and our team is always accessible and responsive to your needs.

Whether you have a question, or concern, or need an update on your case, our dedicated team of family law and private client law experts will be readily available to assist you. We go the extra mile to ensure that you can reach us conveniently and promptly. You can count on us to answer your calls or reply to your messages on platforms like WhatsApp, enabling efficient and effective communication.

Our commitment to internal collaboration and dynamism ensures that there is always someone available to address your family law or private client law case. We understand that legal matters can be time-sensitive, and we strive to provide timely and accurate advice. You can rely on our team's collective knowledge and expertise to guide you through the complexities of family law and private client law.

At Grayfords, we recognise that your time is valuable, and we respect that by being responsive, accessible, and dedicated to your case. We prioritise open and transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way. You can trust that we will dedicate the necessary time and attention to your legal matters, ensuring that you feel supported and well taken care of.

Specialised Service


At Grayfords, we offer a specialised range of services across both family law and private client law, tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. With a focus on honesty, empathy, and pragmatism, we provide reliable legal advice that is designed to help our clients achieve success in their legal matters. 

In the realm of family law, we understand the emotional challenges that can arise during sensitive family disputes. Our team of experienced family law solicitors provides compassionate support and guidance throughout the process. Whether you are going through a divorce, child custody battle, or dealing with complex property division, we have the expertise to navigate these intricate matters while prioritising your best interests. 

In the field of private client law, we recognise the complexities and demands that business owners and HNWIs face in today's dynamic marketplace. Our private client law services encompass a wide range of areas including wealth planning, asset management, trusts, wills, probate, and lasting powers of attorney. We aim to be your trusted legal partner, offering strategic advice and solutions that align with your commercial objectives as you navigate your family matter. 

At Grayfords, we believe in fostering long-term exceptional working relationships with our clients. Our dedicated team goes above and beyond to understand your unique circumstances and provide tailored legal solutions that anticipate your individual needs. We pride ourselves on delivering an outstanding personal service level, ensuring that you feel supported and informed throughout your legal journey.  

Our ultimate goal is to alleviate the pressure and stress often associated with legal matters. We are committed to guiding you through the complexities of family law and private client law, allowing you to focus on what matters most to you. Trust Grayfords to provide you with the specialised legal services you deserve, backed by our expertise, integrity, and dedication to your success.