Peak Numbers of Divorce Cases Expected this Week

On the day which has been known to record more divorces being commenced than any other day of the year, Alistair Dobson, Family Partner at Lawson West in Market Harborough who supports clients through divorce, separation and child contact issues, comments: “Traditionally, the first full week after the new year sees a high number of people starting divorce proceedings, and we are expecting today to be one of the busiest of the year.”

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 party 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 divorce or separation proceedings in January.

Alistair continued: “Statistics carried out by the insidedivorce.com website last year showed that one in five couples were on the verge of a break-up, so it’s no wonder that the New Year saw such a rush on divorce. If this year follows the general trend, Lawson West solicitors are fully prepared to help people through what can be a difficult time, with free initial legal advice and support every step of the way.”