Office of National Statistics Releases Marital Status Information From 2011 Census

The latest census shows that there has been a significant rise in the number of people over 40 cohabiting with their partner.

The information is part of the ONS’s analysis of the 2011 Census data on marital status and notes key changes since 2001.

Data revealed by the office of national statistics shows that the number of people over 40 living with their partner but not married has increased from 31 per cent in 2001 to 41 per cent in 2011.

The census also shows that a large number of people – 785,000 – were married but not living together as a married couple. The ONS suggested that this could be work related or because one member was living in a care home.

Around 145,000 of the people married but not living together were cohabiting with a different partner.

Expert Opinion

“In 10 years the number of people over 40 cohabiting has increased significantly which represents the modern attitudes to marriage and living together. <br/> <br/>"In recent years there has been an increase in the older population getting divorced – partly due to the stigma of divorce being removed and also because of things such as empty nest syndrome whereby parents realise they no longer wish to be together after their children have gone on to university or moved out. <br/> <br/>“What these figures highlight is the importance of cohabitation agreements and ensuring that each partner has protection should anything go wrong. This is especially crucial for those that are still technically married but are living with another partner or where children are involved.”