A study in the UK has linked a drop in divorce numbers with the current financial crisis, making it more difficult for couples to start afresh in seperate homes.

The research was published by Grant Thornton accountants and showed that almost half of all surveyed matrimonial lawyers believe the numbers of divorces has slumped, and will continue to do so, because of the credit crunch.

"Lawyers believe they will see less couples filing for divorce during the credit crunch," said Robert Kerr, partner at Grant Thornton's Forensic and Investigation Services.

"Reasons vary but certainly the financial carve-up that follows a divorce settlement will be at the forefront of a couple's minds when contemplating divorce," he added.

Data published by the Office for National Statistics earlier this year showed that the number of people getting divorced fell from 12.2 per 1,000 couples in 2006 to 11.9 in 2007, and is currently at a 26-year low, Reuters reported.

"There is also an increasing number of people who decide to co-habit but not marry," Grant Thornton spokeswoman Suvra Datta said, but was unable to comment on whether this was down to people being less able to afford the cost of a wedding.