Record numbers instigate divorce proceedings

On the day which historically records more divorces being commenced than any other day of the year, Head of Family at Lawson-West Solicitors, James Haworth comments: “This week is the busiest week for people commencing divorce, with 8th January showing a record number of people visiting solicitors to instigate divorce proceedings.”

The hike in numbers reflects what most specialist family lawyers will recognise as the effect of the Christmas and New Year break. Rather than inspiring feelings of goodwill to all men, the combined financial and emotional pressures of Christmas sometimes prove to be the last straw for a relationship that’s in trouble, convincing one or other parties that the marriage has come to an end.

In addition, many people put off taking the first step to divorce in the weeks leading up to Christmas. They often prefer, understandably, to get Christmas out of the way and then begin proceedings in January.

James Haworth continued: “Statistics carried out by insidedivorce magazine show that one in five couples are on the verge of a break-up, so it’s no wonder that the New Year sees such a rush on divorce. We are constantly encouraged to set resolutions for the year ahead, so this is the best starting place for many couples. At Lawson-West we have many years’ experience of helping them though what can be a difficult time, and despite this being a busy period, we offer free initial legal advice about divorce and will always make time to help.”

James added that some consolation can be taken from other research just published which shows that divorce is not always a disaster for children, and that most children felt that their situation was just as good or better since the separation of their parents.


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