Bristol and UK’s divorce hotspots revealed

UK divorce rates are as diverse as its counties and regions. Although numerous factors play into the reasons behind divorce, including high levels of conflict, lack of commitment, marrying at a young age and serious issues like domestic violence and substance abuse, where you live may also play a role in the odds of you getting divorced.

Wherever you are in the country, the help of Brookman Solicitors, a specialist divorce and family law firm, can advise you on all divorce-related issues, from explaining more about the process, no-fault divorce and financial settlements. It’s important to know as much as you can, but do you need to worry about your chances of getting divorced based on where you live? We look at why living in Bristol may reduce the potential of you divorcing and how this compares to other UK regions.

Why are divorce rates in Bristol relatively low?

Residing in the South West of England appears to be a good thing. According to research it’s actually one of the happiest places to live. Although there are no hard and fast statistics, it makes sense that living in a happy county or city has a positive impact on relationships and marriages.

·         Higher wages in Bristol

Careers and jobs in the south of England are well known for paying higher than the UK average, especially compared to counties in the north of England. In fact, salaries in the South west have risen by 11.9% year on year, compared to a national average of 6.9%. Although money doesn’t guarantee a contented marriage, the stresses a lack of money brings to relationships can naturally have a detrimental effect. Disputes about finances in a marriage are one of the major reasons why couples end up in conflict.

 Access to the countryside

A close proximity to the countryside has proven to make people more content with their lives, and Bristol and the South West have it in abundance. Access to the open air, beautiful views, space for more physical exercise and a feeling of freedom all contribute to higher levels of satisfaction. These aspects of your life can cause you to look upon your marriage positively and may make the daily stresses and strains of life easier to shrug off.

   Bristol is an expensive city

Bristol is one of the most expensive cities to live in the UK. The prospect of living as a single parent in Bristol or the surrounding area may be putting some couples off filing for divorce. The cost-of-living means rising housing and childcare costs, with house prices and rents way above the national average. Childcare expenses are steep too with parents spending thousands each year for someone to look after their children. On top of this, the prospect of paying court fees, mediation fees, and dividing properties may seem a bridge too far for couples who would otherwise get divorced.

UK divorce hotspots

In comparison to Bristol, Norwich and Blackpool hold the top two positions for areas with highest divorce rates in the UK. Statistics from 2021 Census show that the local authority with the highest divorce rate was Norwich at 12.8% and in Wales, Neath Port Talbot came out top. Both Blackpool and Hastings have a higher-than-average divorce rate of 12.2 % followed closely by Lincoln with an 11.9% rate. If you live in Gosport, Eastbourne, Portsmouth or Torbay, the possibility of divorce also rises.

While geographical regions give us a flavour of divorce rates, they are an interesting social observation as opposed to a solid indication of whether or not you are likely to divorce. In fact, statistics reveal that third marriages and couples who live together before they marry are more likely to end up divorced.