Divorce is never an easy decision. Even when both partners agree that separating is the right step, it can still be an emotional and life-changing process. At Edwards Family Law, we understand that every marriage is unique – and so are the reasons it might come to an end.
Since April 2022, the UK has had a no-fault divorce system. This means couples no longer have to prove one spouse did something “wrong” to obtain a divorce. But while you don’t need to give a legal reason anymore, couples still separate for deeply personal reasons. The reasons for divorce cited in divorce applications still provide valuable insight into why marriages end, and statistical data show which issues are most frequently reported.
Understanding No-Fault Divorce
Under the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, which came into effect in April 2022, you can now divorce by making a Statement of Irretrievable Breakdown. This simply means you confirm that your marriage has permanently broken down.
Before this change, you had to rely on one of five grounds, also known as the five grounds for divorce, as the legal basis required to end your marriage. Each ground for divorce, such as adultery or unreasonable behaviour, had to be proven to support your case. The new process removes the need for blame, reduces conflict, and allows either one spouse or both together to apply. Under the old system, the cited ground or reason for divorce (for example, adultery or unreasonable behaviour) had to be specified in the application.
The steps are:
- Apply for divorce after at least 12 months of marriage.
- Serve the application to your spouse (often by email).
- Wait a 20-week reflection period before applying for a Conditional Order.
- After a further 6 weeks, apply for the Final Order, which legally ends the marriage.
- Even with this simpler process, deciding to divorce can be overwhelming. Below, we explore the most common reasons people make that decision.
The Divorce Process
The divorce process in the UK has been transformed by the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020, which introduced the no-fault divorce system. This new approach means that couples no longer need to assign blame or cite specific grounds for divorce, such as adultery or unreasonable behaviour. Instead, the process begins with a simple statement of irretrievable breakdown, confirming that the marriage has permanently broken down and cannot be repaired.
Either one spouse or both together can make this declaration, and there is no need to provide evidence or justify the decision. This shift has made the divorce process more straightforward and less confrontational, helping divorcing parties to focus on moving forward rather than dwelling on past grievances. The new system is designed to reduce conflict, streamline the process, and allow couples to separate with greater dignity and respect.
By removing the need to prove specific grounds for divorce, the law recognises that relationships can end for many reasons, and that the most important step is acknowledging when a marriage is irretrievably broken. This modern approach to divorce law aims to support couples through a difficult time with less stress and fewer obstacles.
While no-fault divorce means you don’t have to prove these in court, they remain some of the most frequent issues that lead couples to separate in the UK.
The Most Common Reasons People Choose to Divorce
- Infidelity
Cheating is one of the most emotionally painful reasons for divorce. Discovering a betrayal often shatters trust beyond repair and can have a significant emotional impact on both partners, affecting the stability of the relationship and the divorce process.
For some couples, counselling or open communication can help rebuild trust. For many others, the hurt and loss of respect make continuing the marriage impossible.
- Lack of Connection and Commitment
A healthy marriage or relationship needs shared values, emotional closeness, and the willingness to work through challenges together, not just connection and commitment, but also shared interests and goals. Over time, couples may find their priorities have shifted.
Different ideas about parenting, finances, or life goals can create distance between partners and lead to conflict. While the saying “opposites attract” is popular, lasting relationships often require more than just initial differences; shared values and commitment are key to enduring partnerships.
This lack of commitment can show up as spending less time together, feeling like “roommates”, or one partner carrying the emotional load. Without mutual effort, the bond can weaken to the point where separation feels inevitable.
- Financial Problems and Debt
Money isn’t just about numbers – it’s about values, priorities, and security. Disagreements about spending, saving, or debt can put strain on even the strongest relationships. Money issues, money problems, and money troubles are frequent sources of conflict in marriages.
For example, one partner might take financial risks that cause stress, while the other prefers stability. In difficult economic times, these differences can feel sharper and harder to resolve. Financial difficulties can erode trust and threaten financial stability in a relationship. Financial incompatibility often becomes a major factor in the decision to part ways.
Reaching a fair financial settlement during divorce proceedings is crucial to ensure both parties’ interests are protected.
- Poor Communication
When communication breaks down, misunderstandings grow, resentment builds, and small disagreements can turn into recurring conflict. Communication problems are a major cause of relationship breakdown, often leading to emotional neglect and unresolved issues.
Poor communication can mean constant arguments, avoiding difficult conversations, or not listening to each other’s needs. Constant arguing is a common result of poor communication and can be emotionally exhausting for both partners. Over time, couples may feel unheard or unvalued – and this emotional distance can be just as damaging as any practical problem.
- Growing Apart
People change over the years. Interests, life goals, and personal values evolve – and sometimes partners grow in different directions. Sometimes, couples can no longer find common ground, making reconciliation difficult.
This can be especially noticeable after big life changes, such as children leaving home, career shifts, or retirement. What once felt like a close partnership can start to feel more like two separate lives. For some couples, that gap can’t be bridged. In some cases, a continuous period of separation is required to establish grounds for divorce based on desertion.
- Abuse
Abuse can take many forms – including domestic violence, domestic abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and verbal abuse, as well as coercive control such as restricting access to money or isolating a partner from friends and family.
Abuse is never acceptable. In such cases, the victim may need legal protection from the other party. Divorce can help victims regain control of their lives and ensure their safety. Legal protection, such as injunctions or occupation orders, may also be available.
Child Arrangements
When children are involved, making child arrangements is one of the most important parts of the divorce process. The family court always puts the welfare and best interests of the child first, encouraging parents to reach agreements about where the child will live, how much time they will spend with each parent, and other key aspects of their upbringing.
Ideally, parents can work together to agree on child arrangements without needing to go to court. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, the family court may step in to make decisions about residence, contact, and other issues affecting the child’s well-being. The court considers the child’s physical, emotional, and psychological needs above all else.
Navigating child arrangements can be challenging, especially during an emotional time. Seeking professional advice from a family law solicitor can help you understand your rights and responsibilities, and ensure that the arrangements made are in the best interests of your children. With the right support, you can work towards a solution that provides stability and security for your family.
Civil Partnership and Divorce
Civil partnerships have provided same-sex couples in the UK with a legally recognised relationship since 2004, offering many of the same rights and responsibilities as marriage. Since the introduction of same-sex marriage in 2014, civil partnerships are less common.
The divorce process for civil partnerships is now almost identical to that for marriages, thanks to the introduction of no-fault divorce. Couples in a civil partnership can end their relationship by making a statement of irretrievable breakdown, without needing to cite specific grounds or assign blame. This process is governed by the same laws and principles as marriage divorces, making it simpler and less adversarial for all involved.
When to Seek Support
Deciding to end a marriage is rarely about one single event – it’s often the result of many smaller issues building over time. Recognising patterns such as persistent unhappiness, loss of trust, or repeated conflict is important.
You don’t have to wait until things reach a crisis point. Speaking to a specialist family law solicitor early can help you understand your options and protect your interests. Family law solicitors can advise on divorce cases and legal separation as alternatives to divorce, depending on your circumstances. Divorcing couples often benefit from early legal advice to ensure their interests are safeguarded throughout the process.
If you’re considering divorce, contact Edwards Family Law today for confidential, expert advice. Our team can guide you through the no-fault divorce process, ensure your financial position is protected, and help make arrangements for children in a way that puts their well-being first.
How Edwards Family Law Can Help
At Edwards Family Law, we specialise in divorce and family matters. We provide:
- Clear, practical advice tailored to your situation.
- Support through every stage of the no-fault divorce process.
- Expertise in financial settlements, property division, and arrangements for children.
- A compassionate approach that prioritises your wellbeing and future.
- Key points of our approach include guiding you through the divorce procedure, offering advice from a legal perspective, and ensuring you understand your options at every step.
Whether your separation is amicable or more complex, we are here to help you move forward with confidence. Our team can guide you through the entire divorce procedure from a legal perspective, ensuring your interests are protected. We also advise on prenuptial agreements for those planning to marry.
Contact Edwards Family Law
If you are thinking about divorce, or if you have already decided it is the right choice for you, our experienced team is ready to support you.