Just taken off those festive rose-tinted glasses?
Realised that your relationship is, in fact, over?
You’re not the only one.
January is by far the busiest month of the year for divorces. Most law firms see an approximate 150% increase in enquiries throughout the month. And the first working day of the new year is often dubbed ‘National Divorce Day’ – as, typically, it’s when divorce solicitors tend to receive their highest number of calls.
If you’re one of the many hoping for a fresh ‘unmarried’ start in 2023, our family law team can help. Here we take a closer look at why it’s a popular time to part ways, and the next steps to take.
Why are couples more likely to split up in January?
Reason #1 – Christmas is a ‘make or break’ moment
It’s the most magical time of the year – right?
Maybe not for everyone.
Whilst many see the festive period as a chance to spend quality time with family, in a recent survey, one in five divorced couples said it was the hardest time of the year for their relationship.
Tensions can intensify. Finances can be strained. There’s a lot of pressure to socialise and meet with extended family. Add social media to the mix, with photos of so-called ‘perfect’ families enjoying the ‘perfect’ Christmas, and it’s easy to understand how it can push couples to breaking point.
For those already unhappy in their marriage, it can be a very testing time – one that highlights any existing issues in the relationship and flushes out any hidden and uncommunicated hostilities.
Reason #2 – The reality of January
Couples are more motivated to make their marriage work over the festive period. At the very least, they tend to stick together and hope for the best – particularly when children are involved.
After all, who wants to be the Grinch who stole Christmas and replaced it with a big fat legal document?
Most people will choose to delay divorce proceedings until after the celebrations, allowing their family to have ‘one last Christmas’ before they hit the nuclear button. And no matter how hard you’ve tried to get along throughout December, in the cold light of January, the reality of the situation can set in once again – as the same issues and doubts begin to resurface.
Reason #3 – New year, new you
Perhaps you’ve had time to reflect over the festive period and think about what you really want? Or maybe you’ve been unhappy in your marriage for a while?
For most people, the new year is a milestone in the calendar – a chance for a fresh start. If you’ve been considering divorce for a while, the 1st of January can feel like the ‘right’ time to contact a family law solicitor, begin proceedings and start to make positive changes in your life.
Ready to make that call?
Divorce is never a decision that should be taken lightly.
Before picking up the phone, ask yourself – is it a knee jerk reaction? Christmas can be a testing time for most couples. And it’s important not to let the stresses and strains of turkey dinners and gift buying cloud your judgement and bring your relationship to an unnecessary end.
However, if divorce is something you’ve been thinking about for a while – and the festive period was simply the breaking point – clear family law advice is essential. And we’re here to help.
At St Helens Law, we have a team of experienced family law solicitors.
Due to the recent introduction of the ‘no fault’ divorce, we’re expecting ‘Divorce Month’ to be bigger than ever this year. And we’re on hand and ready to guide you through the divorce process and ensure you achieve the best possible outcome.
To request a free initial consultation, simply fill out our online enquiry form. One of our divorce solicitors will be in touch within 48 hours with further information. Alternatively, if you have any questions, you’re always welcome to contact us – whether it be Divorce Day, Divorce Month… or any other time of the year! Just give us a call on 01744 742360.