Summer holiday 'divorce increase' reported

Experts at law firm Napthens are reporting an increase in the number of enquiries from couples looking to separate following the summer holidays.

Simon Gledhill, head of the firm’s family team, reports that during the summer, enquiries were up on previous months, but expects these figures to be even higher now the county’s children have returned to school.

Simon explained: "Many parents put off divorcing until this time; and in many cases extended periods spent with partners, for instance on holiday, can lead to separation among childless couples too.

“June and August were relatively high for new enquiries, but the family team here reported high levels during the first two weeks of September.

“Unfortunately this is a pattern which we have seen before. Quite often people have been on holiday together and have come to realise that perhaps there are more issues in a relationship than previously thought.

“Often those couples with children find that problems raise their heads during the same time, and once the children are back at school have more time to consult a solicitor. “Once normality and routine return, we usually find an associated increase in enquiries relating to divorce. There is also often a desire to have a divorce completed by Christmas, and the process can be fairly lengthy so people consult a solicitor at this time of year.”