Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 27 FEBRUARY 2024

Leap Year Traditions

Ellisons Legal
Explore more from Ellisons Legal

2024 is a Leap Year! According to Irish traditions, women are allowed to propose to their suitors on February 29, the day that only comes once every four years.

United KingdomFamily and Matrimonial
Sally Ward
Sally Ward

2024 is a Leap Year! According to Irish traditions, women are allowed to propose to their suitors on February 29, the day that only comes once every four years.

But is the practice outdated with marriage continuing to decline in popularity and the way we view relationships constantly changing? There have been renewed calls for laws and structures in England and Wales to reflect the changing realities. Certainly, in 2024, a woman doesn't need to feel limited to propose to her partner in accordance with an outdated legend.

The Office for National Statistics recently revealed data on the changing status of relationships in England and Wales, with marriage rates of people aged 16+ dropping below 50% (to 49.4%) since comparable records began.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

Couples Are Divorcing Later Than Ever — What The Latest ONS Statistics Mean For Families

New ONS statistics reveal that couples are now staying married for an average of 13 years before divorcing, the longest duration since records began in 1963. With no-fault divorce now the standard process and divorce rates remaining below historical levels, what do these trends mean for families navigating separation, and why do longer marriages often involve more complex financial and practical considerations?
United KingdomFamily and Matrimonial
Brabners
Brabners
Article

Gaslighting In Relationships And How It May Form Part Of Coercive Control

Gaslighting can undermine your sense of reality and form part of coercive control in relationships. This guide explains how gaslighting works as psychological manipulation, when it may constitute emotional abuse or coercive control under UK law, and what legal protections are available through family courts when dealing with narcissistic behaviour during relationships and separation.
United KingdomFamily and Matrimonial
JMW Solicitors LLP
JMW Solicitors LLP
Article

How Are Finances Divided On Divorce? A Guide To Financial Settlements In England And Wales

When a marriage ends, one of the most pressing questions is how finances will be divided. The courts in England and Wales have broad discretion to redistribute assets, guided by principles developed over decades of case law. Understanding how computation and distribution work, and the key principles of needs, sharing, and compensation, can help explain why different families receive different financial outcomes.
United KingdomFamily and Matrimonial
Weightmans LLP
Weightmans LLP
Article

Divorce Costs In 2026 - What You Need To Know

Divorce in the UK is often described as "no fault" and more straightforward than it used to be, but cost remains a major concern in 2026. This comprehensive guide examines the main elements that influence divorce costs in the UK, from court fees and solicitor charges to property valuations and pension reports. Understanding what drives expenses and how to manage them effectively can help separating couples navigate the financial realities of divorce while minimizing unnecessary costs.
United KingdomFamily and Matrimonial
Taylor Rose
Taylor Rose