Family lawyers across the country have been preparing for a large number of inquiries over the next few days from couples who are ready to divorce following an unenjoyable festive season spent together.
The start of the first full working week after the New Year holiday is often known as ‘divorce day’ by Scottish law firms. It is expected to be one of the busiest days of the year, with married couples and civil partners ready to bring things to an end after spending two weeks in the company of each other.
The latest figures released by the Scottish Government show that of the 77,721 civil law cases that were initiated, nearly 9,000 divorces were granted. Dissolution, as well as divorce, accounted for 77% of all family cases in Scotland.
The Office for National Statistics have also released data which shows that there was 5.8% rise in divorces of heterosexual couples all over the UK in 2016 compared with the year before.
The average marriage now lasts 12 years, with 42% of marriages ending in divorce.
The Partner and Head of the Family Law team at Aberdein Considine, Ruth Aberdein said that the festive season can be incredibly difficult for a number of people, and that tensions can be raised in a very short space of time.
She said that with her experience, she would always advise people to remain calm during these stressful situations.
She said: ‘It’s important not to make any hasty decisions when tensions are at their highest and it can often be beneficial to talk to someone outwith the family. In many cases, a return to the normal routine after the holidays can help to reduce the stress but of course, ultimately, separation and divorce may well be an inevitable outcome.’
Different research shows that one of the biggest reasons for couples to split is money issues. The study was compiled by Slater and Gordon, and found that 22% of people who were thinking about finishing their relationship said that the main reason they had was troubles with finances.
Other leading causes for tension in relationships included domestic responsibilities, long working hours, lack of sex, and not spending enough time together.
Lorraine Harvey, a family lawyer for Slater and Gordon said that often people will spend months and even years thinking about filing for divorce. She said that the reasons many people put this off are upsetting their families, being left out of pocket, or being left alone.
12% of the 2,093 British people who took part in the study said that financial pressures were the reason they might split in 2018.
Thompson Civil and Family Law Solicitors are a Glasgow law firm, with an office in Coatbridge, serving customers throughout Scotland. We offer all our clients a service which is high quality and affordable. To speak to a member of our team, call us today on 0141 404 6575, or complete our online enquiry form here.