The first working Monday after New Year’s Day has been dubbed ‘Divorce Day’ by the media as it’s said to be the day of the year that solicitors receive the most enquiries about divorce.
In reality when you speak to most family law solicitors they say Divorce Day’s not a thing.
However, there does seem to be an increase in the number of enquiries in January as a whole (as there are in September after the holidays and July after school exams)
5 Reasons solicitor’s see an increase in divorce enquiries in January
1. Delaying the decision for the kids
Some couples may have already made the decision to separate but agree to wait until after the Christmas period so that the family can have one last Christmas together. This is easier if your split is amicable and there is no reason why you can’t continue to spend important dates such as Christmas and birthdays together as a family going forward. However, if things are acrimonious it could prove to be very stressful for everyone involved, even the kids.
2. Christmas as a Pressure Cooker
When a marriage is already struggling, the additional time spent together over the prolonged Christmas period proves to be the final straw for some relationships. The financial pressure of buying the presents and entertaining, as well expectations of a perfect Christmas fuelled by the advertising industry and social media, make the couple (or one of them) realise that their relationship is not working for them
3. The ‘Make or Break’ Holiday Test
One partner views the Christmas period as a ‘make or break’ point for the marriage. They decide to see if spending time extended time with their spouse gives them hope that their relationship can get back on track. When it doesn’t meet their expectations, they decide it’s time to move on and start the ball rolling by enquiring with a solicitor
4. New Year, New Perspective
The New Year is a time for reflection. We feel pressure to set New Year’s resolutions about how we’re going to be a better version of ourselves and set audacious goals that most people have abandoned by mid-February, leaving them with a sense of failure. Many people use the New Year as a time to reassess their life and relationship and decide they want more or something different. They decide that this is the year they’re going to take action.
5. Money Troubles Magnified
According to the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysis, money issues are responsible for 22% of all divorces. This can be magnified at Christmas with the cost of presents and entertaining, especially with the ongoing cost of living crisis in the UK .More arguments over money due to financial pressure between the couple can be the final straw, especially if the couple have opposing views on money ie one is a saver and the other a spender.
To summarise
The surge in divorce enquiries in January isn’t about one day – it’s about what that time of year represents. Holidays bring reflection, pressure, and unmet expectations to the surface. If you’re finding yourself questioning your relationship this month, know you’re not alone – and it’s okay to seek clarity, support, or change.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Start taking back control and rebuilding your life – one step at a time.
Download ‘Make divorce the best thing that’s ever happened to you’ – a guide to help you feel calmer, more in control, and ready for what’s next.
