According to the media the first working Monday of the New Year is dubbed ‘Divorce Monday’. It is suggested that family lawyers are deluged with new divorce matters following the Christmas break. But, is that the reality?
It is perhaps a little dramatic to assert there is a massive influx of enquiries on that first working Monday but it is the case that January tends to be a busier than normal month when it comes to divorce and separation. Indeed, a similar but less pronounced spike is seen in September, following the school summer holidays.
Of course, Christmas is a stressful time for many families. Couples can begin to become disenchanted with their partner at any time of the year but in the run-up to Christmas there are many distractions that mean dealing with that situation gets put on to the backburner. If there are children then there may be added reluctance to separate before ‘the big day’. However, once the festivities are over, proceeding with a divorce or separation can find its way on to the New Year’s Resolution list.
Separation is a life-changing event. Ultimately it is essential to make that decision for the right reasons. The time for proceeding with a divorce should be when it is best for you, not necessarily dictated by a date on a calendar. Whenever that time may be, Farleys’ family law team have the experience and understanding to help you.
For initial advice on any aspect of divorce, separation or family law, please contact us. Alternatively, our family lawyers will on hand at our free weekly clinic – on Thursday afternoons between 4:00 and 6:00 pm at our Blackburn and Burnley offices.