During lockdown divorce has boomed, hitting its highest point since 2014<\/a>. But while recent circumstances have pushed many to breaking point, some splits will inevitably spark regret.<\/p>\n This week, Gwyneth Paltrow revealed that she had not wanted to divorce her ex-husband, Coldplay singer Chris Martin. \u201cI never wanted to not be married to the father of my kids, theoretically,\u201d she explained. Singer Louise Redknapp also recently admitted that she\u2019d been hasty in divorcing ex-footballer Jamie. \u201cI just ran, as fast as the wind would take me,\u201d she said. \u201cI should have paused for a minute.\u201d Whether or not the marriage would have survived, she added: \u201cI wish I\u2019d tried.\u201d<\/p>\n Divorcing in haste and repenting at leisure is surprisingly common. Research has shown 50 per cent of divorcees felt they\u2019d make a mistake, and a 2016 report by legal firm Avvo suggested 39 per cent of men and 27 per cent of women regret their divorce.\u00a0<\/p>\n This week, the Government has announced that divorcing couples will receive \u00a3500 to attend mediation<\/a>, in the hope that their broken marriages can be repaired. This comes after the change to no-fault divorce laws<\/a>, and the Ministry of Justice intends the new scheme to ease pressure on the courts. Many couples therapists have welcomed the plans, aware that decisions made in anger can have far-reaching consequences.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cRather than rationally working out what has happened and why, the impulse is to run away, believing it is all too difficult to fix it,\u201d says psychotherapist Neil Wilkie<\/a>.<\/p>\n Col Varnham*, 53, a business manager from Liverpool, admits he was hasty in divorcing wife Joanna*, five years ago.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWhen the kids grew up, Jo started a business and was often busy or away. Looking back, I was jealous,\u201d Col admits. \u201cMy career was in a rut and I resented her success.\u201d The couple rowed constantly, and \u201cin 2015 she asked for a divorce. I should have suggested counselling, but I was too proud.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Since then, Col has dated but is currently single. \u201cI really wish I\u2019d thought twice,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n Before pulling the plug, see a therapist, advises relationships counsellor Juliette Smith<\/a> who offers an online relationships coaching course.<\/p>\n \u201cThe way we communicate can be ineffective at best and destructive at worst,\u201d she says. \u201cA professional can help couples learn to relate with more compassion and understanding.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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