New year, new me; time for a divorce?

The beginning of the new year often brings a sense of reflection. Many individuals take this opportunity to evaluate their personal lives, including their relationships.
It therefore comes as no surprise that there is a consistent and notable spike in the number of people seeking divorce or family law advice in the month of January, effectively branding January as the ‘divorce month’.
Out of the 110,770 divorce applications made in 2023, 26% of these applications were made between January to March. Data shows that there was an 18.67% increase in divorce applications made from January to March 2024 compared to the period from October to December 2023.
So, does this mean January is correctly branded the ‘divorce month’? Let’s look at the timings and wider implications.
The holiday season
The Christmas holiday season entails excitement, joy and the ability to create magical memories. Although many families associate Christmas with stress, tension and conflict.
A survey of 2,000 British households found that the average British family will have at least five arguments during Christmas Day, with the first typically occurring at 10:13am.
With a house full of family, children being home from school for two weeks, and the financial pressures of gift giving.
For many, the festive season leads to a breaking point and can be seen as the last straw in the breakdown of a relationship or marriage.
Some individuals may delay applying for a divorce until the new year to attempt to have one last Christmas with the whole family.
New beginnings
The change of the calendar year often prompts individuals to self-reflect and reassess their lives. For many, this will be focused on health, fitness or new hobbies.
Some people will put their focus onto their relationships. January is an ideal month for a life reset, and for some this will include ending an unhappy marriage.
The sense of new beginnings the new year brings, often acts as a catalyst for those considering divorce.
Financial considerations
The approaching end of the tax year in April, might also prompt individuals to file for a divorce in an attempt to conclude matters before 6 April 2025.
Although the new year may be a more symbolic time for personal resolutions, the beginning of the financial year is important when it comes to organising finances. Finalising a divorce before the end of the tax year provides both parties with financial clarity for the tax year ahead.
There are a multitude of reasons why an increased number of individuals may consider divorce in January.
The desire to start a fresh in the new year, festive stress following holiday season as well as practical financial reasons.
Whatever the reason or thinking, it is important those considering divorce seek professional legal advice to navigate this difficult process.
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