The first working Monday of a New Year has earned the unfortunate nickname of ‘Divorce Day’ when family lawyers see an increase in calls and emails from people who have decided that they wish to end their relationship after a stressful Christmas break. In 2025, it will fall on Monday 6th January.
Many couples conclude that if they can’t be happy at Christmas then it must be time to go their separate ways, or couples who are parents sometimes resolve to stay together until after the ‘big day’ to put on a united front for their children. For others, it might be more of a ‘New Year, New Start’ resolution.
But to be honest, as most law firms close between Christmas and New Year, we would expect a high volume of enquiries on our return to the office regardless.
There is no wrong or right time to seek legal advice about a divorce. Relationships can come to an end for a myriad of reasons and making such an important decision is never easy. Sometimes couples mutually decide it is time to end a relationship, other times one person instigates a divorce.
Divorcing couples can now simply agree to a divorce, without assigning blame or fault. Indeed, it is now not possible to apportion blame for the marriage breaking down. Parties can choose between them whether to make a Sole Application for divorce or a Joint Application, in which both parties agree to divorce each other.
Every case is very different and we endure that they are treated as such.
We understand that it is an incredibly emotional time and our Divorce & Family team can provide practical help and sensitive support during the divorce process, including advice on the complex legal issues surrounding finances and children.
We always encourage negotiation outside of Court, to both help take the tension out of an already stressful situation and achieve a speedy and cost-effective resolution. Our lawyers can assist with negotiation in divorce settlements and arrange for mediation if couples feel it could help them reach agreement much more quickly.
On the occasions when agreement cannot be reached, we are able to guide our clients through the Court process to protect their interests.
We can also introduce you to our colleagues who are specialist lawyers in other areas that may be able to assist, whether that is to execute a new Will, consider Trust assets, sell a property or provide advice regarding a company or business assets.
For a confidential discussion about the divorce procedure, please contact Richard Rodway in our Henley office on T: 01491 570 900, office or Julia Drury, Sophie Perry or Ruby Tufail in our Reading office on T: 0118 975 6622, all of whom will be happy to have an initial conversation about the best divorce route for