Dec 2023
It’s that time of year again and for many it is a time for celebration, rest and reflection – but for us in the legal profession, it’s the start of “separation season”.
As the fun and festivities come around, the worry of debt can take its toll.
There is a huge amount of pressure at this time of the year to spend out on food, gifts and travel to visit loved ones, and, on top of already-fragile financial situations caused by the cost-of-living crisis, it can cause relationships to fray.
There is also a school of thought that says couples that already aren’t getting on spend too much time together over Christmas and have one-too-many arguments. Or, it’s a chance for them to finally find the time to sit around the table and discuss starting a fresh with the new year and agree to separate after Christmas.
“Separation season”
While we’re not entirely sure of the exact reason, the season for separations culminates in an increase in separation. It’s usually just after Christmas and New Year, when separating couples seek legal advice.
On Monday 8th January, there’s another expected “divorce day”.
If you think you might fall into the camp of people filing for divorce this January, prepare yourself for a few delays as the systems cope with the high levels of people trying to do the same.
You can also do a few things to help the process, including:
- Try to keep communications open
- Agree any childcare arrangements
- Think about living arrangements
- Think about what your assets and savings are.
It doesn’t have to end in divorce
There could be a solution to marriage breakdown and over the years, some of the simplest remedies become the most effective.
There is a reason why there is a delay in processing paperwork, a “cooling off period” is factored in to the divorce process so that couples can change their minds. Marriage can be difficult, a lot of couples have forgotten how to communicate. Talking can be a great healer and can resolve many a dispute just by keeping communication open.
However, we appreciate this option isn’t right for many and if you would like some advice relating to your separation, civil partnership dissolution or arrangements with your children, please contact the Family Law team at Downs Solicitors and we will be happy to help.
