COLUMN: Dealing with divorce in January - simple steps to protect your peace of mind, your assets and your family
The first working Monday in January is often labelled ‘Divorce Day’, but the reality is far more nuanced. While there is no singular spike on this day, family lawyers do see a clear increase in enquiries in the weeks that follow Christmas.
Rather than festive fallout, this is more often driven by people returning to routine. Christmas is expensive, emotionally demanding and busy, and many couples simply decide to get through it before addressing deeper issues. January then becomes a point of reflection, resolution and, for some, a fresh start.
Overcoming conflict by banishing blame
One of the biggest changes in recent years has been the introduction of no-fault divorce. Couples no longer need to point the finger by assigning blame to begin proceedings. Instead, the focus is simply on whether a marriage has broken down irretrievably.
This has helped remove unnecessary conflict at the outset and allows people to engage with the process more calmly, particularly where children or ongoing financial ties are involved.
Why AI falls short
More and more, people turn to AI tools or search engines for guidance. While this can provide useful general information, it rarely reflects individual circumstances.
These tools scrape data from sources like the website of qualified solicitors and can misconstrue facts.
No two divorces are the same, and relying on ‘broad strokes’ advice often leads to entirely avoidable misunderstandings around assets, fairness and outcomes.
It’s important to remember that divorce is not purely a legal exercise. It is a personal transition that benefits from early, tailored guidance. Speaking to a professional can help people understand their position, dispel common myths and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Listen to Wilkin Chapman Rollits’ new In Perspective: Family Matters podcast on the company’s YouTube channel for an in-depth discussion on divorce or, for expert family law advice, contact Lucy Reding directly on [email protected]
This column has been provided by Lucy Reding, partner in family law at Wilkin Chapman Rollits