There has been a fall in the number of divorces and separations for the second year running, and they are at their lowest level for nearly a decade, new figures show.

It is believed that the recession is behind the drop, as couples are finding it increasingly difficult to sell their houses. Under the constitutional requirement to ensure proper provision for both spouses, most couples need to sell the family home in order to distribute their assets to achieve this.

The annual report of the Court Services, published this week, also showed that there was an increase in the number of applications for guardianship from unmarried fathers and for custody of and access to children.

The figures show that there were 3,357 divorce applications in the Circuit Court and 24 in the High Court in 2010, compared with 4,214 and 43 respectively in 2008. In 2002 the figures were 3,912 and 33 respectively.

Judicial separation applications show a similar decline, according to the report.

There were 1,393 such applications in the Circuit Court and 27 in the High Court last year, compared with 1,966 and 44 respectively in 2008. In 2002 the figures were 1,871 and 59 respectively.

There were also 9,945 applications under domestic violence legislation, compared with 10,306 the previous year.

More than half of all applications for protection under domestic violence legislation were spouses, with common-law partners and the parents of adult children making up the balance.