Couples can file for a divorce for all manner of reasons and since last April, spouses have been able to end things more amicably through a 'no fault divorce' after new legislation came into force.
But one divorce expert claims where you live might play a part in how likely you are to call time on your marriage - with the lowest rates of divorce in the North East. James Brien, founder of Easy Online Divorce, says he has seen an "unprecedented surge" in couples applying for online divorces every day so far in January - as the first working Monday of the year is dubbed 'Divorce Day' by UK lawyers, where they see a spike in inquiries.
James' research reveals that men from the South East are three times more likely to get divorced than their North-Eastern counterparts - while those in the county of Cornwall are more likely to have a lasting marriage.
The figures, covering divorces in the UK in 2021 - based on his own clients and referenced against data published by the Office and National Statistics - paint a startling picture of the state of divorce in the UK, with certain counties and even boroughs seeing higher-than-average rates of divorce.
Leading the way with the highest rate of divorce is the South East with 1 in 67 men and 1 in 72 women getting a divorce - this pales in comparison to the North East, which has the lowest rate of divorce with just 1 in 194 men and 1 in 211 women calling it quits in 2021.
This is drastically lower than the national average which stands at 1 in 84 for men and 1 in 89 for women, meaning places like Newcastle, Middlesbrough, and Sunderland may be the best place to tie the knot, James says.
When it comes to counties, quiet rural areas like Somerset and Rutland are the worst for divorce, with couples three times more likely to get divorced than the national average.
You're also twice as likely to get divorced if you live in areas such as Wiltshire, Lincolnshire or North Yorkshire, according to the statistics.
James' research suggests the best place for a lasting marriage is in Cornwall, where couples are four times less likely to get divorced than the national average.
And if seaside living isn't for you, areas like Nottinghamshire and the West Midlands are also a good option, with couples in these areas three times less likely to call it a day.
Other areas with a high rate of divorce are South Holland and West Lindsey - where both men and women are five times more likely to get a divorce.
Other notable mentions are South Derbyshire, Lincoln and Leicester with couples 3-4 times more likely to call it quits.
When it comes to London, Hackney and Havering are the worst places to tie the knot, with your chances of divorce double that of the average person, according to the research.
James comments: "While this research doesn't mean you're guaranteed to get a divorce just because you live in the South East, it is interesting to see how things vary region by region.
"Divorce Day sees family lawyers inundated with requests and enquiries about divorce as the stresses of the holidays hit, and cause tension between couples.
"Although divorce can happen for a number of reasons, the stresses caused by Christmas can be particularly challenging for couples, with the added financial pressure, hosting of families, and sourcing those hard-to-find gifts able to push any couple over the edge."
