The trend for marriage is steadily declining, with married couples now making up less than half the population, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
Couples also appear to be choosing to separate increasingly later in life, with 17.6 per cent of all 53-year-olds now divorced.
The age at which the highest proportion of the population is divorced has risen dramatically, from 35 in 1971 to 40 in 1991 and 52 in 2009. It rose again in the 12 months to 2010 to 53.
Are you married or co-habiting? Do you believe that marriage is as relevant today as it was even 50 years ago?
Have your say in our Great Debate group discussion...
See more
