In 2003, family issues accounted for 402,000 court cases, representing a 13% increase over ten years. 189,000 couples began divorce or separation procedures; a 4% increase since 1994. 128,000 divorces, the majority instigated at the request of a partner, and 3,000 physical separations were recorded. The divorce process manages the relations of ex-partners between themselves and with their children, but changes can prove necessary over time. In 2003, 61,000 of cases dealt with by the courts involved disputes subsequent to divorce, of which 80% concerned children. Furthermore, the development of new forms of relationships has generated a growing number of children born outside marriage: 82,000 cases relating to children born outside marriage were dealt with by the courts, twice as many as in 1994. 76,000 procedures were initiated outside of family break-up issues.