The number of Brits contemplating getting divorced has rocketed over the past year.
Those googling ‘how to get a divorce’ have increased by 70%, with over 500 searches a month across the UK. It’s not surprising considering we don’t exactly get taught about a divorce at school.
But there’s one city seeing more marriages break down than any other, and it’s not London.
It’s not good news for couples in Norwich, with the medieval city taking the number one spot.
Law firm Weightmans analysed common search queries like ‘how to get a divorce’, ‘divorce lawyers’ and ‘divorce’ per 100,000 people, across the UK’s most popular towns and cities, to find the locations where the most marriages are on the ropes.
Norwich was found to have the highest search volume for divorce-related questions, with 63 googles per 100,000.
Clearly, its location as the gateway to The Broads National Park and its status as a UNESCO City of Literature status aren’t enough to keep locals happy.
It seems to be a nationwide problem though, with some couples starting 2024 on a bad note. Divorce searches increased by 45% in January alone across the UK.
Following just behind Norwich in joint second place is Huddersfield and Bristol with 49 searches each.
Located in the foothills of the Pennines, Huddersfield is perhaps best known for its stunning scenery and quaint outlying villages – the perfect setting for classics like Last of The Summer Wine and Where The Heart Is – but it’s not doing much for unhappy couples.
In third place, with 44 divorce searches per 100,000, is Ipswich.
The town might have waterfront apartments and independent shopping, but it appears many couples are shopping for divorce lawyers rather than a new wardrobe.
Peterborough and Coventry had 42 and 41 searches respectively placing them at fifth and sixth on the list, which joint seventh place went to Reading and Birmingham.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the city that saw the lowest number of divorce-related searches was Manchester.
With just nine searches per 100,000 people, Mancunians are clearly very content in their relationships.
What age should you get married to minimise the chances of divorce?
According to research, the ideal age to get married is between 28-32, with the lowest chances of divorce occurring in these age groups.
Analysis of both ONS and available online data shows these marriages have the most chance of success, because they typically have the fewest divorces.
For opposite-sex marriages that end in divorce, the most common length is eight years.
Not to mention Manchester seems to be one of the places to live. It’s the only UK city in National Geographic’s Best of the World list which sets out 25 must-see destinations around the globe. It also made the 52 Places to Go list for 2024 in the New York Times.
We may just have to tie the knot and move there ourselves.
Aberdeen also had a very low divorce-related search rate at just 11 per 100,000, so it’s looking good for the Scots.
When it comes to the capital, London sat firmly in the middle of the top 40 list – with 30 searches per 100,000 people.
Divorce expert Antony Ball, a partner at Weightmans gave five expert tips for those who are considering a divorce from their partner.
Firstly legal and financial preparation are key. Antony says: ‘Gather and organise documents, including past tax returns, employment details, and information about your assets and income. This comprehensive preparation will help your understanding when considering the financial implications of a divorce.’
Being prepared mentally and emotionally is important because a divorce can be challenging and Antony suggests ensuring you have a good network of family and friends, as well as getting yourself a therapist.
Children are often at the centre of a divorce. Antony advises: ‘Where children are involved, prioritise their well-being. This includes making arrangements for their care, understanding child support obligations, and considering their emotional needs throughout the process.’
It’s also key that you begin to take practical measures to safeguard your privacy and security. ‘This can include setting up a new email account, changing passwords, and ensuring your mail and sensitive documents are secure and inaccessible to your spouse,’ says Antony.
Lastly, it’s important to think ahead. Antony says: ‘Start thinking about your post-divorce life early in the process.
‘This includes financial planning, considering living arrangements, possible career or job changes if necessary, and setting realistic expectations for life after divorce. Preparing for these changes early can make the transition smoother.’
The top 40 towns and cities with couples seeking divorce:
- Norwich – 63
- Huddersfield – 49
- Bristol – 49
- Ipswich – 44
- Peterborough – 42
- Coventry – 41
- Reading – 40
- Birmingham – 40
- Gloucester – 39
- Exeter – 38
- Swindon – 38
- Carlisle – 37
- Milton Keynes – 35
- Plymouth – 34
- Leicester – 34
- Bolton – 32
- Leeds – 32
- Newcastle – 31
- London – 30
- Poole – 29
- Swansea – 28
- Portsmouth – 28
- York – 27
- Southend on Sea – 27
- Dundee – 27
- Cambridge – 27
- Sheffield – 26
- Oxford – 25
- Northampton – 24
- Nottingham – 24
- Belfast – 24
- Edinburgh – 23
- Kingston upon Hull – 23
- Liverpool – 23
- Derby – 19
- Glasgow – 17
- Durham – 17
- Cardiff – 17
- Aberdeen – 11
- Manchester – 9
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