Nearly one in two children born today will suffer family breakdown by the time they are 16, according to a new analysis of official figures.
The study, carried out jointly by the Bristol Community Family Trust and the Centre for Social Justice and published last month, found that there was a 48 per cent chance of a relationship breaking down, compared with 40 per cent a decade ago.
It also found that the collapse of cohabiting relationships was the key contributor. The report said: “While marriage accounts for 54 per cent of births, the failure of marriages – i.e. divorce – accounts for only 20 per cent of break-ups and 14 per cent of the costs of family breakdown, among all families with children under five.”
Sarah Atkinson, an associate in Gregg Latchams’ Family department and a member of family lawyers’ organisation Resolution, which promotes a non-confrontational approach to family problems, said: “Any family breakdown is likely to be distressing for those concerned and especially so when children are involved.
“Whether a relationship breaks down through divorce or because cohabitees split up, the welfare and well-being of any children involved must be a priority.
“The non-confrontational approach advocated by Resolution means that we approach issues arising from relationship breakdowns sensitively and objectively, with the aim of helping couples to put aside their differences and reach outcomes that are as constructive as possible for their children and themselves.”
For more information, please contact the Family department.
