New Year Separations/Divorce

January is often seen as the busiest time of the year for family lawyers. The reasons for this are many and varied.

It is rarely the case that Christmas is the catalyst for the move towards divorce rather it is often the result of many months or years of built up problems and tensions which come to a head at Christmas with all the stresses and strains the festive season brings with it. For the majority of families Christmas is a wonderful and happy time but where couples have been struggling the extra burden of additional expenditure, dealing with relatives and the increased time spent in each other’s company is simply too much of a burden.

There is considerable pressure to host the ‘perfect Christmas’ portrayed in the media where the home is beautifully decorated, the meals are perfect, the children are all happy and partners devoted to each other. The simple reality is that this is not always possible and tempers become frayed. Throw in the addition of free flowing alcohol and it is easy to see why problems arise.

In many cases the separation may have been brewing for a long time but has been delayed until after Christmas, especially where there are children involved.

The new year is often seen as a time to take stock and look to the future. Unfortunately, sometimes this results in the break up of a relationship as the cold hard fact hits that there is no future for the couple together.

Separations are rarely taken lightly or on the spur of the moment, particularly if children are involved, as there are many aspects to a divorce not least the financial impact and contact issues.

If you would like help or information regarding separation or divorce please contact Margaret Porter or Dee Finnegan on 01279 799598