On 24 November 2021, the Australian Bureau of Statistics released some really interesting data about marriages and divorces in Australia, taken from data samples during 2020. So how has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted marriages and divorces in Australia?
In 2020, the number of marriages registered in Australia decreased by 30.6% from 2019. This marked the largest annual decrease ever reported and the lowest report of marriage registrations since 1961.
The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly contributed to the low rate of marriage registrations given tough restrictions and lockdowns. However, the pandemic has also contributed to the breakdown of marriages where relationships were strained due to immense financial pressures, home-schooling, and working from home.
In 2020, 49,510 divorces were granted in Australia, an increase of 1.9% from 2019. As divorces are typically granted 12 months after separation, the breakdown of marriages throughout the COVID-19 pandemic will not be reflected in data for some years.
Financial pressures due to the pandemic have also meant that couples are unable to formally separate simply because they cannot afford it.
Harsh lockdowns have been the catalyst for the breakdown of marriages as couples have been forced to spend increased amounts of time together. Marriages typically breakdown over the school holidays and Christmas period when couples spend the most time together, so it is completely understandable that this would be exacerbated during lockdowns.
The median age at divorce has increased over time from 41.4 years in 2000 to 45.6 years and 38.6 years in 2000 to 42.8 years for males and females respectively.
The median duration of marriage to separation and divorce has slightly increased since 2000. In 2020, it was recorded that the median duration of marriage to separation was 8.4 years and the median duration to divorce was 12.1 years.
Many people across Australia and the rest of the world are experiencing hardship in their relationships, marriages, and family home. At the commencement of the first lockdown following the pandemic, you may have thought that it was a great opportunity to spend more quality time with your partner and that maybe because you and your partner were working from home, the load of housework would be shared equally. Many people had these high hopes only to realise that the lockdowns only highlighted the cracks within their marriage. If you are feeling like your marriage is breaking down and you don’t know how to cope or what steps to take, just know that there is support out there. You are not alone, and it is never too late to ask for help or seek advice.
If you are thinking about separating or have already separated, please get in touch at (02) 8999 4364 or via email by completing the form on this page to discuss your matter in complete confidence. Alternatively, If you’d like to book an appointment straight away, head to this link.
We can advise and guide you to find the right resolution pathway for you and your family. O’Loan Family Law offers specialist family law advice, conveniently located in Lavender Bay on Sydney’s North Shore. We help separating families find amicable solutions that consider your unique situation so you can move on with your life. Our value pricing service offerings include collaborative practice, assisted DIY separation and what we like to call, the traditional family law pathway. We’ve got your back.
About The Author - Bron O'Loan
Bron O’Loan is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and Principal Director of O’Loan Family Law in Sydney. Admitted to practise in 2015, she has over 12 years of exclusive family law experience advising on separation, parenting disputes and complex property settlements. Bron holds a Master of Applied Law (Family Law) and is admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW and the High Court of Australia, providing strategic, commercially aware advice tailored to each family’s circumstances. |
*This post is an overview only and should not be considered as legal advice. If there are any matters that you would like us to advise you on, then please contact us.
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