The complexity of divorce law in the UK and the cost of the process are forcing many people in the country to remain in unhappy marriages, a new report has stated.

 

A study by legal firm Seddons found that 56% of people admitted they were not completely happy in their marriage and more than half said they had considered divorce in recent months.

 

However, 29% of respondents said that they did not proceed with the divorce because of its financial costs.

 

Solicitor Deborah Jeff said that legal experts should be consulted in the event of a divorce to make the process as painless as possible.

 

She explained to the Telegraph: "The number of divorce enquiries shoots up in the new year and also after school holidays. Splitting up is never easy in any circumstance, but many couples don't realise it can be made a little easier.

 

"Mediation can be used to take the 'sting' out of the situation and maximise the chance of financial settlements and arrangements for children that both parties are happy with.

 

"But, worryingly, some 60% of people in the survey were not aware of how mediation can be used to improve communication."