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

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London. The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon and the Rt Hon Steve Reed (L-R Front Row) David Hammond, and Daniel Knowles

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London.

30 Apr 2025

2

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield Edenfield housing development

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield

29 Apr 2025

3

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens Dovestone Gardens launch

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens

29 Apr 2025

4

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success Louise Kirby

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success

29 Apr 2025

5

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire Lidl

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire

29 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
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
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

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

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

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

09:00 - 15:30

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2
EV-land-2025-05B.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase
13421_research_knowledge_exchange_2025_600x300.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
07 May 2025 - 08 May 2025

Research and Knowledge Exchange Showcase

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships
30478 Skills Bootcamp open day setting.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships

University of Central Lancashire, Preston , PR1 2HE

14:30 - 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 Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin