Divorce Rates to Increase as New Year Sets In

19 May 2012

The New Year is all about fresh starts with people hoping to turn their lives around by losing weight, looking for a new job and stopping smoking as part of their New Year resolutions.

We're already part-way through January and some will already have strayed from their resolutions but many people will still be determined to use the change in year to help improve upon the events of the previous 12 months.

While there is no end in traditional pledges to choose from there is one, much more dramatic and life-changing, becoming more common every year - divorce.

It isn't abnormal to see a sharp rise in divorce at the turn of the year, but in recent years we have seen an even more stark increase in divorce rates in January.

Couples often decide to delay proceedings and put on a brave face for the sake of the family over the festive period, but the pressures of spending long periods with the in-laws and working hard to juggle the high expectations of Christmas can often be the final straw.

As we continue to battle through one of the worst winters which so far has brought Northumberland the earliest widespread snowfall for 17 years and temperatures that have regularly far surpassed freezing - we are anticipating a much higher increase in divorces throughout early 2011.

Difficult times caused by plummeting temperatures, a poor economy, unemployment and money worries are all major factors when it comes to marriage breakdowns, as often the stress caused by such issues can prove too much.

Divorce is sadly often unavoidable and can have a huge impact on the entire family so it's important that issues are resolved quickly and sensitively. For many separation is a last resort, when all other methods of reconciliation have failed, so couples want their legal affairs in order and papers finalised as soon as possible so they can start to move on.

However, many couples are often unsure of where to turn, especially when expensive legal bills are not an option as proceedings can become long and drawn out. Lengthy divorces do not benefit anyone especially where children are involved so it is vital that both parties seek impartial legal advice sooner rather than later.

Families worried about spiralling divorce costs should always seek professional advice. There is plenty of free advice available on a range of family matters, including divorce, from organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau. Specialist solicitors can also advise you on your rights and help you find the right options to help you resolve your problems and if you require it representation in court.  

Although divorce levels have fallen in the UK, we still hold one of the highest figures in the world, with more than one in a 100 marriages ending in divorce. This means divorce is still a very real issue throughout the country. 

Northumberland residents worried about divorce or other family issues can contact the Family Law Team at DAWN Advice for free and independent advice on 0844 4111 309.