Unreasonable behaviour has become the most common reason used for divorce in the UK, overtaking former favourites such as irreconcilable differences and adultery… but why?

The main reason is that basically anything can be used to pass off as unreasonable behaviour. It doesn’t need to be extreme, unreasonable or even proven. What ‘unreasonable behaviour’ provides couples with is a fast track way to get divorced without having to go into great detail or to provide any evidence.

Unreasonable behaviour could be because the husband spends two hours a night on his PlayStation, or it could be that the wife grinds her teeth in her sleep, or because the husband a collection of records. Seriously, it can be that stupid, though unless both people are in agreement of course the divorce could be contested, which would get messy and expensive with only the solicitors winning out.

So, if you’re after a quick divorce and don’t have any adultery evidence or an abusive ex then just plot for the old ‘unreasonable behaviour’ excuse. It’s quick, easy and extremely petty… the essence of divorce.

Clive Bellmore