The first working Monday in January has been dubbed “Divorce Day” by the media, purportedly due to the large spike in enquiries divorce lawyers see after the festive break.
Every Christmas without fail, the broadsheets warn of the looming “D-day” like some perennial pantomime. Tales of parents sticking it out for one last Christmas for the sake of the kids, couples who fell out over who ate the last brussels sprout, or dark secrets being exposed due to excessive alcohol consumption like in an episode of Eastenders.
Some solicitors wholeheartedly agree that the first working day back is the busiest day of the year but others are more sceptic, saying it just feels that way because we are having to wade through a backlog of emails after a lethargic week spent eating too much turkey, cheese and mince pies.
There are no official statistics to support the suggestion that the number of divorce petitions issued in January are at a significant increase. We know that divorce is not a decision that one makes lightly or in haste. However, one cannot help but wonder if the stress of the Christmas period and New Years resolutions does perhaps encourage people to assess their relationships and seek a fresh start.
The reality is that there are seasonable influxes throughout the year and there is no one particular month where divorce rates are unusually or exceptionally high. Research has indicated that in fact, the last week of September is now the busiest month for divorce petitions. Suggesting that it is the school summer holiday’s when we truly reflect on our relationships.
But it’s not all heartbreak and doom; Christmas is one of the most popular times to get engaged and there is a January increase in couples seeking advice on pre-marital agreements, prior to getting hitched.
Maybe you spent Christmas day crying to Joni Mitchell because you discovered your spouse had purchased their secretary Mia a gold necklace instead of you, or maybe you did stick it out “one last Christmas for the kids”. Whatever the reason for your separation, divorce lawyers across the nation are bracing themselves for the first day back to work.
Heather Reilly
31st December 2024