Resolution British Adults Perceptions Of Divorce on Christmas Survey

ComRes interviewed 4,061 GB adults online between the 16th and 20th October 2013 on behalf of Resolution. Data were weighted to be representative of all GB adults aged 18+. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.

Date Published: 25 Nov 2013

Categories: Public and communities | Public Sector | Social | UK

Description

“WORRYING LACK OF AWARENESS” ABOUT DIVORCE PROCESS RISKS INCREASING COST & STRESS OF BREAK-UPS

Couples risk increasing the stress and cost of divorce settlements because of a “worrying lack of awareness” about a wide variety of non-court based solutions according to relationship experts, following the publication of new polling published today (25 Nov). 

There is “patchy understanding” and “ill-founded scepticism” about alternatives to going to court during break-ups according to a new poll commissioned by Resolution – the body representing 6,500 family law professionals in England and Wales. The problem is “exacerbated” by recent cuts to legal aid, meaning that “fewer couples have access to free legal advice, and so fewer people are being directed by solicitors towards solutions other than court.”

This is despite the fact that for many couples, avoiding a lengthy courtroom battle can reduce stress and can result in significant financial savings. In fact it is estimated that over 115,000 people each year could save money and stress during relationship break ups if they are made fully aware of all their options. 

Today’s findings:

Scepticism about the benefits of avoiding court:

The ComRes poll of over 4,000 British adults found that:

-          Only half of people surveyed (51%) say they would consider trying a non-court-based solution instead of going court if they were to divorce in the future.

-          There is ill-founded scepticism about the legality of non-court solutions - just 23% of British adults believe that non-court based methods of divorce and separation “make the terms of the separation clear to both parties”.

-          Just one quarter of British adults (24%) think that non-court based methods of divorce “protect the rights of both parties”.

-          Just 52% of British adults say they think that non-court based methods of divorce and separation “are better for the wellbeing of couples”.

-          Only 50% of British adults say that “non-court based methods of divorce and separation are better for the wellbeing of children”.