Emily Cannell, Partner and Head of Family at Mincoffs Solicitors, explores the reasons some people choose to make a fresh start in their relationships in the early months of the year.
Colleagues, clients and friends often ask whether the beginning of the year really is the busiest time for divorce.
Given the flurry of PR activity and advertising by many family lawyers after the holidays, this would certainly suggest as much.
It could be said that divorce is more popular in January as people who have perhaps been unhappy for a number of months beforehand decide finally that want a fresh start for a new year. After all, what better time to make a change?
Another common factor could be unhappy couples choosing to hold it together towards the end of a year in an attempt not to ‘ruin’ Christmas – particularly where children are involved – and therefore January and February tend to see the beginning of proceedings for those who would have otherwise issued in November or December.
The holidays are also a time when most couples spend more time together than usual, many times with an invitation offered to extended family – which can sometimes create the perfect storm.
Maybe the office Christmas night out has led to a third party being involved, or perhaps an increase in social events has led to unhappy, alcohol fuelled disagreements.
Of course, the start of the year is also when the dark, cold nights draw in, finances are particularly tight after Christmas shopping and a summer holiday is a distant dream – which could all contribute to a marriage suffering.
Or perhaps it is just a misconception that divorces are more popular at the start of the year and the rush of activity in a family lawyer’s office in January is nothing more than the result of an extended break away from the office over Christmas.