The divorce rate in England and Wales went up in 2012, but only by 0.5% over 2011, according to the Office for National Statistics.
The rate, however, is nearly a fifth lower than it was just a decade before. This may be because fewer people actually married but cohabited instead.
The ONS said the rise could be a reflection of the changing economic situation, following closely on the slow improvement in the country’s outlook.
It suggests that couples trapped in unhappy marriages could have been waiting for the value of their house to recover before attempting to split their assets.
While it also said it was too early to discern a trend, it pointed to a similar result following the 1990-92 recession when divorce rates increased markedly in 1993 than during the recession itself.
Observers say the healthier economy means people are more optimistic about finding jobs and financial security and so feel better equipped to afford to divorce.
Lawyers are doing well with the increase, with one firm opening three additional offices to meet the demand over the last 18 months.
