Around this time each year, newspapers fill several column inches with speculative tales of ‘Divorce Day’, supposedly the day when most couples will look to consult a solicitor with a view to initiating divorce proceedings shortly after.

Such a date is of course purely speculative. Already, 5, 12 and 20 January have been ear-marked as ‘D-Day’ across several different publications reflecting the reality that while there is an increase in the number of consultations, such a rise in new enquiries is spread across the whole month as couples take stock of their relationship.

Christmas can be a stressful time even when everything is running harmoniously at home. Many families will have found that tensions previously bubbling under will have risen to the surface as everyone struggles to keep up with the demand of the holiday season to have the perfect time. The economic problems that have become synonymous with the catch-all title of the ‘credit crunch’ have placed a further undue pressure on families who may have faced a financially difficult Christmas. Many people will have felt the looming spectre of redundancy hanging over them which will not simply abate now that 2009 is here. 

Many spouses have held off consulting a solicitor until they have a better perspective of the increasingly worsening economy. While the picture is still far from clear, many parties will use the advent of the new year as a prompt for a fresh start, beginning with their relationship. 

Initial enquiries from those contemplating separation will begin in early January as the majority of people return to work. As the children settle back into their regular school routines, parents will then begin to make discreet appointments with a solicitor so that they are able to make an informed decision about this next big step.

Seddons always encourages a conciliatory and proactive approach for individuals considering separation. At our first appointment with a new client, we discuss whether the relationship has irretrievably broken down or whether there is still a chance of it working.  If so, names of marriage counsellors are provided.  We also advocate the use of mediation as a way of stimulating amicable dialogue between the parties in order to prompt a conciliatory approach if a separation is unavoidable.  The process can be made considerably easier when both parties are able to talk to one another in a calm and considered fashion. If there is any entrenched animosity or domestic violence and mediation is an unlikely avenue, our solicitors work to reduce the temperature of the matter from the outset to achieve a smooth and uncomplicated divorce as possible.