Legal and lifestyle costs amount to £14,561 - up 17 per cent since 2014 when the total was £12,432.

And it takes an average of 14-and-a-half months to divide the assets of any marriage after a split, found the latest Aviva Family Finances Report.

Rising legal bills are driving the increase and they are the most common expense of any split.

More than half (54 per cent) of those whose relationship breaks down have had to pay lawyers, revealed a poll of 1,000 people who have previously divorced or separated.

Many also faced the cost of setting up a new home, with 51 per cent moving to the rental market and only 16 per cent being able to afford to buy a new home.

Of those currently renting as a result of their split, 70 per cent say they are unlikely to buy a property in the future.

The cost of a relationship breakdown has left some dipping into their savings, borrowing or reducing their pension contributions, the research found.

One in three of those who have left their spouse have used their savings for financial support, while 26 per cent admit using credit cards to pay for basic bills.

Close to a quarter (23 per cent) have also borrowed from friends and family to tide themselves over.

One in 16 have cancelled or cut back their protection cover, with the same proportion cancelling or reducing their pension contributions to give their income a temporary boost after a divorce or a separation.

Paul Brencher, Aviva UK health and protection director said: “The breakdown of a marriage or long-term relationship is likely to be one of the most emotionally demanding life events for people who experience it.

“Such circumstances are made all the harder due to the lack of preparedness by many.”

He said that, with the costs involved, “it is little surprise that they are drawn towards their savings for support or borrowing from friends and family”.

He added: “Many additionally find themselves priced out of the property market.

“While it may seem completely unnecessary to plan for such an unfortunate life event, it is important that both partners in a relationship take an active interest in their financial affairs, even if one tends to take the lead.”

The total, which equates to just over £7,280 for each partner, takes into account factors such as legal fees, setting up a new home or redecorating a previously shared one and childcare costs - as well as costs associated with starting afresh, such as getting back into the dating scene, splashing out on a new wardrobe or jewellery and taking up a new hobby or skill.

Breakdown of divorce costs per person. Not all divorcing spouses would spend in each category.

Legal fees, £2,679

Setting up a new home, £3,321

Annual child maintenance payments, £4,605

Holiday, £1,348

Buying a new car, £4,810

New gadgets (such as a TV, home cinema, sound system), £1,017

Childcare costs, £5,808

Dating, £828

Entertainment and gifts for children, £1,222

Redecorating previously shared home, £2,369

Makeover/new wardrobe, £1,118

Taking up a new hobby, £736

Legal fees as part of child custody battle, £5,671

Therapy/counselling, £1,063

Learning a new skill, £1,702

Personal trainer or get fit regime, £1,261

Jewellery, £1,067