Divorce Day Myth

The first working Monday of the year is now often referred to in the media as ‘Divorce Day’ or ‘D-Day’ – the day when family lawyers across the country are supposedly inundated with calls from those who have experienced a difficult festive period with their families and have decided that today is the day to seek legal advice.

However, whilst January is undoubtedly a busy month for family lawyers, it is a myth that this flurry of activity is confined to one day, or that the pressures of the festive season are to blame.

There are many reasons why someone might be seeking advice in January. Often, January can be the month when those who have sought initial legal advice during the previous year are now ready to take the next step. They may have been waiting until after Christmas to separate, worried about the impact this would have on the children. They may have been waiting for work to quieten down so that they could find the time to go through their finances and make plans for the future. They may have made a new years’ resolution to make the change they have been thinking about for some time. Or they may be seeking some initial advice now, with a view to seeing how the year ahead goes.

There are also typically many reasons for seeking advice at different points during the year. For example, in February during the lead up or aftermath of the pressures of Valentines Day, in August following the stress of the children’s summer holidays or a failed attempt to save the marriage with a romantic or family holiday abroad, or in September once the children are settled back at school.

In short, there is no peak time for seeking advice on family law issues. Everyone’s circumstances are different.  It is not something you decide on a whim, or because it is the first working day of the new year. It is an all year round matter.

Whatever the circumstances, and whatever the time of year, if you are considering separating or divorcing it is important that you seek legal advice at an early stage so that you are well informed and understand the wide range of options available to you.  At Anthony Gold we offer a fixed fee meeting to give you some initial advice specific to your circumstances and discuss with you the best way to move forward. We also have a number of qualified mediators within our department. Going through a separation or a divorce does not have to be an expensive process, nor does it have to involve lengthy contested court proceedings. Many couples are able to reach an agreement between them with the help of qualified lawyers and mediators.  If you think you may need some initial advice, now or in the near future, then please do not hesitate to contact a member of our experienced team.

Mediation Awareness Week takes place from 22-26 January 2024 and Anthony Gold is offering free mediation information meetings (MIAMS) across the week.  For more information please contact either Michelle Howarth at mih@anthonygold.co.uk or Jordan Ridley at jri@anthonygold.co.uk or by telephone at 020 7940 4060.