Is September the New January? Divorce Enquiries Surge After Summer Holidays

The latest data reveals a surge in divorce enquiries post-summer holidays.

As children return to school and routines resume, Napthens’ Family team has seen a marked increase in enquiries from couples seeking legal advice about separation.

Last year, in September 2024, the Family Court recorded 10,996 new divorce applications in England & Wales according to the Ministry of Justice making September the second most popular month for applying for divorce.

Why Do Divorce Applications Spike in September?

Many couples, particularly those with children, choose to delay separation until after the summer holidays. The return to school provides a natural break and the time needed to seek legal advice. For childless couples, extended time spent together, such as during holidays, can also bring unresolved issues to the surface.

“Quite often people have been on holiday together and have come to realise that perhaps there are more issues in a relationship than previously thought,” says Helen Lucking, Partner and head of the Family Team at Napthens.

Routine Brings Reflection

Once the structure of daily life returns, couples often find the clarity and opportunity to take the next step. For parents, the start of the school year can offer the space to reflect and make decisions that were postponed during the summer.

“Often those couples with children find that problems raise their heads during the summer time, and once the children are back at school have more time to consult a solicitor,” Helen adds.

A Push to Finalise Before Christmas

Another reason for the September surge is timing. Many individuals hope to complete the divorce process before the end of the year, making early autumn a strategic time to begin proceedings.

“There is often a desire to have a divorce completed by Christmas, and the process can be fairly lengthy so people consult a solicitor at this time of year,” says Helen.

Understanding the Divorce Process

It’s important to note that applying for a divorce is a separate legal process from resolving financial matters arising from the breakdown of the marriage.

The legal process of dissolving a marriage does not automatically deal with financial matters such as:

• Division of property and other assets
• Pension sharing
• Spousal or child maintenance

At Napthens, we strongly recommend that individuals seek independent legal advice regarding financial claims, such as property, pensions, and spousal maintenance, as early as possible. Ideally, this should be done before applying for the Final Order of divorce to ensure that financial arrangements are properly considered and protected.

If you are considering financial matters arising from the breakdown of the marriage or arrangements for children on separation, you may find our article on alternative options to court helpful.

How Napthens Supports When You Need It Most

At Napthens, our Family team understands that separation is a deeply personal and often difficult decision. We’re here to provide expert legal advice with compassion and clarity, helping you navigate the process with confidence.

If you’re considering separation or simply want to understand your options, get in touch today via our contact form, or visit our Family law page for more information.