SWINDON, U.K. - s4story -- New research by leading online divorce service Divorce-Online.co.uk has revealed which professions are most prone to marital breakdown in the UK—with doctors, lawyers, and business professionals topping the list.

The findings come from an analysis of 2,640 divorce applications processed by Divorce-Online in 2024, representing around 3% of all divorces filed in England and Wales that year. The study sheds new light on how workplace stress and career pressures can contribute to relationship breakdown.

Top Professions for Divorce in 2024

The analysis found that individuals working in 'Professional' roles—such as medical, legal, and senior business positions—accounted for a striking 42.1% of all divorces handled by the service. This was followed by retirees (8.85%) and unemployed individuals (6.29%), both groups facing life stages or circumstances that can place added strain on relationships.

Here's a breakdown of the top professions by percentage of total divorces filed:

Profession	% of Divorces Filed
Professional (doctors, lawyers, managers)	42.10%
Retired	8.85%
Unemployed	6.29%
Customer Service	5.96%
Sales	5.71%
Transport & Logistics	5.29%
Healthcare	5.13%
Leadership & Management	4.88%
Finance & Administration	4.14%
Skilled Trades	3.89%
Public Service	3.56%
Education	2.40%
Creative & Freelance	1.82%

Workplace Pressure Plays a Role

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Mark Keenan, Managing Director of Divorce-Online, commented:

"Our data shows that high-pressure roles come with a cost—not just to mental health, but to personal relationships too.

Whether it's the long hours, emotional fatigue, or lack of work-life balance, professionals seem especially vulnerable to the pressures that can lead to divorce."

Expert Legal Insight

Lara Davies, Family Lawyer at OLS Solicitors, added:

"We regularly support clients whose relationships have broken down under the weight of professional pressure. Careers in law, medicine, and finance often demand long hours, high responsibility, and little time for personal reflection.

It's vital that those in high-stress roles are aware of the emotional toll their jobs can take—not just on themselves, but on their families. Open communication and early legal or therapeutic support can often help prevent things from escalating to divorce."

Why It Matters

With workplace wellbeing high on the national agenda, these findings offer insight into how better employer support and relationship-focused resources could make a real difference.

The research also highlights a need to support those navigating major life transitions—like retirement or unemployment—as these groups also experience elevated divorce rates.

For further information, commentary, or interviews, please contact:
Mark Keenan
Managing Director – Divorce-Online
📧 media@divorce-online.co.uk
📞 01793 384029

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🔗 https://www.divorce-online.co.uk

Source: Internal analysis of 2,640 divorce applications processed by Divorce-Online during 2024
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