Napthens head of family explains why January is ‘divorce month’

29 Jan 2025

Helen Lucking

January is becoming ‘divorce month’ as people reassess their lives following stress, tension and conflict over the festive season, says Helen Lucking, partner and head of family and divorce at award-winning north west law firm Napthens. 

 Statistics for 2023 and 2024 show a consistent spike in the number of people seeking divorce or family legal advice in the first month of a new year. 

 About 26 per cent of 110,770 divorce applications made in 2023 arose between January to March of that year, along with an 18.6 per cent rise in divorce applications between January and March 2024 compared to October to December 2023. 

 Helen explained: “The beginning of the new year often brings a sense of reflection. Many individuals take this opportunity to evaluate their personal lives, including their relationships. 

 “It therefore comes as no surprise that there is a consistent and notable spike in the number of people seeking divorce or family law advice in the month of January, effectively branding January as ‘divorce month’.  

 Although Christmas entails excitement, joy and the ability to create magical memories for many families, others associate the festive season with stress, tension and conflict. 

 A survey of 2,000 British households found that the average British family will have at least five arguments during Christmas Day, with the first typically occurring at 10:13am. 

 Helen said: “With a house full of family, children being home from school for two weeks, and the financial pressures of gift giving for many the festive season leads to a breaking point and can be seen as the last straw in the breakdown of a relationship or marriage. 

 “Some individuals may delay applying for a divorce until the new year to attempt to have one last Christmas with the whole family.”  

 She added: “The change of the calendar year often prompts individuals to self-reflect and reassess their lives. For many, this will focus on health, fitness or new hobbies. 

 “But some people will focus on their relationships. January is an ideal month for a life reset, and for some this will include ending an unhappy marriage. The sense of new beginnings the new year brings often acts as a catalyst for those considering divorce.” 

 The approaching end of the tax year in April, might also prompt people to file for divorce in an attempt to conclude matters before 6 April 2025. 

 Helen said: “While the new year may be a more symbolic time for personal resolutions, the beginning of the financial year is important when it comes to organising finances. Finalising a divorce before the end of the tax year provides both parties with financial clarity for the tax year ahead.  

 “Whatever the reason or thinking, it is important those considering divorce seek professional legal advice to navigate this difficult process.” 

 

Latest news

1

Roundhouse secures approval for new £15m office and industrial scheme in Preston Momentum

Roundhouse secures approval for new £15m office and industrial scheme in Preston

25 Jul 2025

2

Homebuilder's high-performing sales advisers clinch awards Ben Garland and Julia Lorente

Homebuilder's high-performing sales advisers clinch awards

24 Jul 2025

3

Work is set to start on Multiversity project Multiversity Blackpool

Work is set to start on Multiversity project

24 Jul 2025

4

BAE Systems welcomes MOU between Republic of Turkiye and UK for purchase of Typhoon aircraft Typhoon production Warton

BAE Systems welcomes MOU between Republic of Turkiye and UK for purchase of Typhoon aircraft

23 Jul 2025

5

Assystem to double UK jobs to deliver Sizewell C EDF Assystem

Assystem to double UK jobs to deliver Sizewell C

22 Jul 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Preston Tech Connection: Buzz Word Bingo. Challenging Todays's Buzzwords In Tech
July PTC banner long updated.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Buzz Word Bingo. Challenging Todays's Buzzwords In Tech

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th
Navy--Event Tile.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Aug 2025 - 14 Aug 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (24).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
21 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Morecambe Bay Walk
Walk.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
30 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025

Morecambe Bay Walk

Arnside, CARNFORTH, LA5

09:30 - 14:00

Longridge Soap Box Derby
Screenshot 2025-06-10 090035.png.png
LBV Hub Fundraisers
14 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025

Longridge Soap Box Derby

Berry Lane, Longridge, PR3 3WH

10:00 - 16:30

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV 123 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin