Divorce Day: New Year, New Beginnings?
Key Takeaways:
- January triggers reflection and action — The New Year often prompts individuals to reassess unhappy relationships, making “Divorce Day” a common time to seek legal advice and consider next steps.
- Financial pressures influence timing — Cost-of-living concerns and housing affordability mean many people delay formal separation, even when a relationship has already broken down.
- Early advice helps avoid long-term risks — Taking legal and emotional advice early can protect your financial position, reduce uncertainty, and support better outcomes for you and your family.
The first Monday in January has become known in the media as “Divorce Day”. In 2025, Divorce Day fell on Monday 6 January, and, as in previous years, family law firms across England and Wales reported a noticeable increase in enquiries from people considering separation or divorce.
While the term itself is informal, the trend behind it is very real. January often represents a turning point — a moment when people reflect on the past year and decide whether their current situation is sustainable. For couples already under strain, the New Year can feel like the natural time to confront difficult decisions.
At Parachute Law, we understand that divorce is never just a legal process. It is an emotional, financial, and practical journey. Below, we explore why January sees a rise in divorce enquiries, the wider economic factors influencing separation decisions, and what you should consider if you are thinking about taking this step.
Why Does January See More Divorce Enquiries?
Family solicitors consistently report an uplift in enquiries at the beginning of the year, and there are several reasons why January has become associated with relationship breakdowns.
The Pressure of the Festive Period
Christmas and the festive season can be emotionally and financially demanding. For couples who are already experiencing difficulties, this period often magnifies existing tensions. Financial pressure, family obligations, disrupted routines, and heightened expectations can make unresolved issues harder to ignore.
Many couples describe Christmas as the point where they realise they can no longer “paper over the cracks”. Once the festivities are over, there is often a sense of emotional exhaustion and clarity about the future.
A New Year, a Fresh Start
The New Year is traditionally associated with new beginnings. People reassess their priorities, set goals, and consider what changes they want to make. For some, this includes addressing long-standing relationship issues that they may have avoided for months or even years.
January can feel like a natural moment to take control and begin a new chapter, particularly if the previous year has been emotionally draining.
Waiting Until After Christmas for the Children
For couples with children, separating in the run-up to Christmas is often seen as an unattractive option. Many parents choose to maintain stability through the festive period, prioritising family routines and minimising disruption for their children.
As a result, family solicitors often see a pattern where clients seek legal advice before Christmas, but delay taking formal steps until the New Year.
Other Factors Influencing Divorce Decisions
While January may bring an increase in enquiries, recent data shows that divorce trends are also heavily influenced by wider economic pressures.
Falling Divorce Numbers
According to the Office for National Statistics, there were 80,057 divorces granted in England and Wales in 2022, representing a 29.5% decrease compared with 2021 and the lowest number recorded since 1971.
There is no single explanation for this decline. However, many family lawyers believe that financial pressures have played a significant role in delaying or deterring separation.
The Cost-of-Living Crisis
A Legal & General study published in 2025 found that 272,000 people had delayed divorce due to cost-of-living pressures. Although interest rates and mortgage rates eased slightly in 2024, many households continue to feel financial strain.
For some couples, the idea of creating two households out of one feels financially unachievable. Housing costs, childcare expenses, and rising everyday living costs all contribute to the perception that divorce is “unaffordable”.
At Parachute Law, we increasingly see clients who seek advice, understand their legal position, but decide to “sit tight” due to financial uncertainty.
What to Consider If You Are Thinking of Separating
Deciding whether to separate is rarely straightforward. Divorce is not just a legal event; it is an emotional process that unfolds over time. Ensuring you have the right information and support in place is essential.
Seek Legal Advice Early
Obtaining early legal advice does not mean you must proceed with separation or divorce. Instead, it gives you clarity about your options and helps you prepare for different outcomes.
A family solicitor can help you understand:
The divorce process and timescales
Your financial rights and obligations
How child arrangements are determined
The potential impact of delaying separation
Knowledge can be empowering, particularly at a time when emotions may feel overwhelming.
Don’t Underestimate the Emotional Impact
Divorce is widely recognised as one of life’s most stressful experiences. Alongside the legal and practical challenges, many people experience grief, anxiety, anger, guilt, or uncertainty about the future.
Emotional support is just as important as legal advice. This may come from:
Trusted friends or family
A therapist or counsellor
A divorce coach or support group
Having a strong support network can make the process more manageable and help you make clearer decisions.
When to Formally Separate
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to separation. What works for one family may not work for another, and it is important to proceed at a pace that feels right for you.
However, there are risks associated with delaying formal separation that should be carefully considered.
Living Together After Deciding to Separate
Some couples choose to emotionally separate while continuing to live together and delaying formal financial arrangements. This may be driven by financial concerns or the hope that asset values will improve.
In practice, this arrangement can be extremely challenging. Once one or both parties have decided the relationship is over, remaining under the same roof can become claustrophobic and stressful. This tension can also have a significant impact on children’s mental health.
Such arrangements rely heavily on mutual trust, which may already be fragile.
Financial Risks of Delaying Separation
Delaying formal separation can create financial risks, including:
Overspending by one party
Assets being moved or hidden
Increased difficulty in obtaining accurate financial disclosure
The longer financial arrangements are left unresolved, the harder — and more expensive — it can be to establish a clear picture of the true financial position.
Transparency is crucial in divorce proceedings. Delays can complicate this process and increase legal costs.
Pensions and Long-Term Financial Security
Pensions are often one of the most valuable assets in a marriage, second only to the family home. Recent years have seen significant fluctuations in pension valuations, creating uncertainty for many couples.
While market volatility affects everyone, formally sharing pensions sooner rather than later can provide certainty and security for the receiving party. Once a pension sharing order is implemented, that share is under the recipient’s control, reducing ongoing financial ties.
Prolonging the inevitable may not always be the best long-term financial decision.
Divorce Is a Process, Not a Single Event
It is important to remember that divorce does not happen overnight. Even with the introduction of no-fault divorce, there are built-in timeframes designed to allow reflection and planning.
This period can be used constructively to:
Reach agreements about finances
Establish child arrangements
Explore mediation or alternative dispute resolution
Taking a measured and informed approach often leads to better outcomes for everyone involved.
How Parachute Law Can Help
At Parachute Law, we understand the uncertainty and anxiety that often accompany thoughts of separation — particularly at the start of a new year. We are mindful of the practical and emotional challenges, as well as the financial concerns that cause many people to hesitate.
Our family law team offers:
Clear, pragmatic legal advice from the outset
A focus on proportionality and cost-effectiveness
Support with divorce, financial settlements, and child arrangements
Guidance on alternatives such as mediation
Our aim is to help you make informed decisions, preserve constructive communication where possible, and move forward with confidence — whether that means taking immediate action or planning carefully for the future.
Divorce Day: A Beginning, Not Just an Ending
While “Divorce Day” may sound daunting, it can also represent an opportunity for reflection and positive change. For some, January is the moment to take control of a situation that has felt uncertain or unhappy for too long.
If you are considering separation or divorce, remember that you do not have to face the process alone. With the right legal advice and emotional support, it is possible to navigate this transition in a way that protects your wellbeing and lays the foundation for a more secure future.
Related Articles:
The Common Mistake People Make When Divorcing – and How to Avoid It
Interim Maintenance: Financial Support During Your Divorce
Divorce and Jurisdiction: Why the Country You Divorce In Can Shape Your Financial Future
