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Just over half of the population feel that divorce is too easy, according to a recent study. The survey, which was conducted by law firm Pannone, polled 2,000 individuals and found that 57 per cent either agreed or strongly agreed that it is currently too easy to obtain a divorce. These findings come just a matter of days before the Office for National Statistics are expected to announce that the divorce rate rose in 2011, following it having grown for the first time in several years in 2010. Two thirds of the 2,000 individuals polled revealed that they felt that adultery was the main cause of divorce, with financial problems, problems raising children and failing to share housework also believed to be common reasons for marital breakdown. Women were also more likely to feel that divorce is currently too easy with 59 per cent agreeing with the statement compared with 55 per cent of male respondents. The vast majority of respondents between the ages of 18 and 24 agreed with this, also. Surprisingly, whilst 58 per cent of married respondents felt that divorce was too easy, 56 per cent of divorcees were also in agreement. In response to these findings, several commentators have claimed that the media coverage afforded to divorcing celebrities has directly affected peoples’ perceptions of divorce and separation, noting that the vast majority of individuals only view divorce as a last resort. Figures published recently have also revealed that married people are now a minority for the first time in the Census’s history, whilst over four million individuals now class themselves as divorced.