And that can often apply to marriages. Post-Christmas, divorce/ dissolution enquiries soar. That isn't unique to TBI Law - and there are many reasons for that.
While for many, Christmas is a cause for celebration, for some couples, it can bring issues to the forefront that have long bubbled under the surface.
The reasons aren’t surprising.
Finances can be strained. The pressure to deliver that perfect Christmas can be overwhelming.
Between presents, wrapping, prepping the turkey and fitting in nativity after nativity, there’s little time to breathe.
But there’s an even darker side; More time together can expose relationship cracks, or worse, fuel domestic abuse.
And while separation rarely happens on a whim – with months, or even years of quiet worry and difficult conversations behind it – Christmas can be the tipping point.
At TBI Law, we’ve sadly seen it happen time after time.
As one of the North East’s oldest law firms, we’ve helped navigate countless parties through one of life’s most difficult phases.
Families devastated. Homes divided – with children often caught in the middle.
And when the decision to split is made, the legal process can feel daunting, adding additional stress at an already emotional time.
That is when experienced, professional support can make a world of difference.
At TBI Law, divorce and family law isn’t transactional.
We know every family, marriage and background is unique.
We are here to listen first, explain clearly and guide clients through each step.
How will assets be divided? What happens to the family home? How will arrangements work for children?
That journey can feel overwhelming, especially in the early days.
But having a trusted legal team on hand doesn’t just offer reassurance.
It also helps you retake control in one of the most tumultuous periods of your life.
Thankfully, our trusted solicitors are specialists in divorce and family matters.
They have a deep understanding of both the legal framework and emotion that lies within divorce.
Wendy Beacom is Head of the Private Family team and a Partner at TBI, with a particular expertise in the financial aspects of family law, like addressing complex finances and assets arising upon divorce and the preparation of nuptial agreements.
Partner Shamin Ali can confidently advise on financial matters. She is experienced in Islamic divorces and understands the issues that are encountered with such.
Associate Solicitor Jessica Inman deals with matters like divorce/dissolution, matrimonial finances and child arrangements with a pragmatic approach, empathy, strength and compassion to every client.
Our entire team regularly advise on businesses, trusts, pensions, investment portfolios – and even complex marital estates when international property is involved.
It is skilled and experienced. They’ve spent countless hours negotiating and advocating for clients to get them the settlements they deserve.
But we also recognise that divorce/dissolution isn’t just a legal process involving assets.
It is life changing.
And ultimately, we aim to resolve a divorce/ dissolution in a way that protects both their best interests and those of their children.
So, as you prepare your next steps, just know that you don’t have to walk them alone or that it must be hostile.
All our advisers are members of Resolution, a national organisation of specialist family lawyers whose aim is to help you navigate the journey in the least adversarial way as possible.
We’ve supported families through divorce/ dissolution for generations. We’ve helped clients across the North East – from Sunderland to Teesside – for almost 200 years.
With the right support, it is possible to move forward – and turn 2026 into the fresh start you needed.
www.tbilaw.co.uk