Try to keep the acrimony out of Divorce Monday

Couples who feel they have reached breaking point in the aftermath of Christmas can still reach an amicable solution, according to the South West’s largest family law firm.

Rachel Buckley, who heads up the Divorce and Finance team at The Family Law Company, said: “It’s no secret that during January there is a surge in enquiries after unhappy couples take the decision to separate, to the extent that the first working Monday in the month is often termed ‘Divorce Monday.’

“The stress of organising Christmas, the high cost and perhaps even feeling blue with the dark evenings - these can all add up and become the tipping point for people who are already unhappy in their marriage.”

Rachel says that although some of the enquiries the firm receives each January don’t necessarily reach divorce stage, quite a few do and it is these couples who need experienced help and guidance.

According to the Office of National Statistics, there were 114,720 divorces in England and Wales in 2013. Although this was a downward trend of almost 3% in comparison to the 118,140 divorces of 2012, 48 per cent of those divorces involve at least one child under 16 living with the family.

“Where children are involved, it is vital to try and keep a separation and divorce as stress free as possible,” added Rachel. “The Family Law Company has an ethos to promote resolution, encouraging our clients to think of their children and resolve the situation in a non-confrontational way, as well as keeping divorce out of court as far as possible through mediation and collaborative law.”

Rachel suggests that potential clients consider using a free initial session offered by The Family Law Company to clarify their thoughts on divorce. If you need advice you can contact Rachel via www.thefamilylawcompany.co.uk