The Office for National Statistics has published its statistical bulletin for divorces in England and Wales in 2012. The bulletin presents annual statistics on divorces following court orders. It does not include divorces of couples usually resident in England and Wales that took place abroad.

The number of divorces in England and Wales in 2012 was 118,140, an increase of 0.5% since 2011. According to the report, the number of divorces declined between 2003 and 2009 from 153,065 to 113,949 followed by a 4.9% increase in 2010. The number of divorces has remained relatively stable since 2010, fluctuating just below the number recorded in 2010

Interesting key findings of report include:

• Divorce rates: In 2012, 10.8 people divorced per 1,000 married population - a decrease of 19% compared with 13.3 in 2002. 
• Age at divorce: The number of divorces in 2012 was highest among men and women aged 40 to 44.
• Duration of marriage: The median duration of marriage for divorces granted in 2012 was 11.5 years which was the same as in 2011. This is an increase from 11.1 years in 2002.
• Marital status before marriage: In 2012, 19% of men and women divorcing had their previous marriage end in divorce.
• Children of divorced couples: Almost half (48%) of couples divorcing in 2012 had at least one child aged under 16 living in the family.

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