'Tis the season – For divorce?

Whilst the fun and festivities come around, a number of people can find the effects of debt and stress finally take their toll. It is one of many reasons why this time of year, we often term as Divorce Season. However, there could be a solution to marriage breakdown and over the years I have certainly seen some of the simplest remedies become the most effective.

“Divorce Day” is the one day of the year that we divorce solicitors expect to see a spike in separation requests. The next Divorce Day is due on Monday 7 January, the first Monday after Christmas and New Year. This is when the “back to work” has really set in and the bills start landing on the doormat.

Of course, divorce is not just a seasonal thing. According to the Office for National Statistics, there are more than 100,000 divorces in England and Wales every year. In 2015, 60% of divorces in England and Wales were granted on adultery and unreasonable behaviour – which is the most common factor used for divorce (83% among women, 73% among men).

However, sometimes divorce is preventable. Marriage can be difficult and most of the couples I see in my office have simple forgotten how to communicate. Talking can be a great healer and our mediation team has also managed to resolve many a dispute just by keeping communication open.

You can read more in our upcoming divorce series. Over the next few weeks, be will be posting updates on a number of topics, including how to “divorce-proof” your marriage, as well as considering other options, such as alternative dispute resolution.

In the meantime, if you would like some advice relating to your own separation, civil partnership dissolution or access to children, contact the Family Law team at Downs Solicitors to see how we can help.