THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS DIVORCE DAY, SAYS LAWYER

Each year stories emerge of ‘Divorce Day’, the day of the year most people begin divorce proceedings, usually on the first working Monday of January.

But leading family lawyers at national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP say this is just a myth and there is no significant rise in cases after the Christmas break.

In fact, they are more concerned by a new emerging theme, backed by the latest research from Legal and General, that more and more people are putting off divorce due to the cost of living crisis.

Chris Longbottom, partner and head of the firm’s family team, said: “Divorce Day is a great idea used by the media but the reality of what we see as divorce solicitors is very different.

“It may be correct that some people take advice after having ‘one last Christmas together’ for the sake of the children or make new personal plans on the turn of a new year, but the decision to get divorced is rarely a knee-jerk, reactive one.

“We actually find that our peak periods for those seeking to separate are after school holidays but enquiries are reasonably consistent throughout the year.

“The latest figures from Legal and General suggest that 272,000 people (13%) are delaying getting a divorce due to cost-of-living pressures.

“This is worrying as divorce lawyers as we know how emotional, stressful and exhausting the process can be for some so we always advise taking legal advice early and working collaboratively to reach a swift and peaceful outcome.

“There are cost-effective ways to divorce and couples should not only take legal advice but also financial advice as early as possible. Now that ‘no-fault’ divorces are available, tools like mediation can mean the process can be completed easily and promptly without the need for lots of money being swallowed up by court proceedings.”

Clarke Willmott is a leading national law firm and is this year celebrating its 135th birthday. There are seven regional offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton.