Is Divorce Day a myth?
5 January 2018
Splashed across print and online media: “Divorce Day is coming – read our tips for a quickie divorce”
Heralded by the media as the busiest day of the year for family law solicitors, Divorce Day this year is said to be 8 January.
Relate have reported that in January 2017 they experienced a 24% increase in calls compared to an average month. Anecdotally among family solicitors there can be an increase in enquiries in January.
But – is Divorce Day a myth?
Google trends data shows that while there were peaks for divorce enquiries in January 2012 and 2016 in the years between and also in 2017, divorce enquiries peaked at different times during the year.
What the Google trend data does show is that there is a dip in divorce enquiries year on year between October and December. The spike in searches for divorce in January can therefore probably be explained by this dip beforehand which reflects into a slight increase in January. This could be interpreted as a spike which spurs the media interest in ‘Divorce Day’.
Any peak in workload in early January that a family lawyer experiences can also be explained quite simply – most legal offices are shut over Christmas!
It is unlikely that any enquiry made, whether in January or in July, would be caused by a single event. Relationships and their dynamics are so complicated that a separation cannot be attributed to one single season – however stressful that may be. Calling a family solicitor is a big step for most people – usually following some significant thought and not on a whim.
The Christmas period can increase issues which are already clear in a relationship. As a ‘happy and joyful period’, it also heightens emotions which can make any underlying issues worse. Issues cited regularly are financial pressures or family disputes – which can be exacerbated by the festive season
While ‘unreasonable behaviour’ is the most used ground for divorce, being 45% of the divorce petitions in 2016, the non-fault grounds of either two years or five years separation also make up 42% of divorce petitions, which clearly cannot be as a result of an issue over Christmas. Indeed, one of the most common reasons for a couple to separate is that they have grown apart and no longer wish to be married.
If you are considering a separation or divorce, then the Family Law Team at Birketts try where possible to promote amicable arrangements between separating couples. We seek to make the process as clear as possible so at each stage our clients are fully aware of what is happening. We offer a fixed fee initial consultation.
To make the most of any initial meeting with a family solicitor, please read the article The January Blues: divorce and separation advice which includes tips on what to bring with you to make it as useful as possible.
If you would like any further information about the divorce process or to book a fixed fee initial consultation, please contact a member of Birketts’ Family Law Team in one of our offices.
The content of this article is for general information only. It is not, and should not be taken as, legal advice. If you require any further information in relation to this article please contact the author in the first instance. Law covered as at January 2018.