What is National Divorce Day and Why Does It Matter?

After the Christmas period draws to a close, UK divorce solicitors experience a spike in divorce enquiries. On average, UK family law firms experience a 25% increase in divorce enquiries in January compared to other months, with some firms receiving calls as early as Boxing Day. This has led to the first working Monday of the new year being known as national divorce day. 

Why Do Divorce Rates Spike on National Divorce Day?

Christmas can be a stressful time for numerous reasons. It can take its toll financially, as it usually involves extensive gift-giving, travel, and food preparations. The holiday also means spending extended periods of time with family members, which can lead to conflict between couples and create a strain in relationships.

However, many couples choose to stay together until the end of the festive period, for the sake of their children and families.

Early January is when many couples reach the end of their tether and choose to contact law firms that specialise in divorce law as soon as possible. This is usually the first Monday of the new year.

Here’s why divorce rates may rise at the start of January:

– Practical timing: Children return to School and financial planning starts for the new year.

– Timing after Christmas: Many couples wait until after the festive season to avoid disrupting family celebrations and for the sake of any children.

– New Year resolutions: People often see the new year as a fresh start, which can include ending an unhappy marriage.

– Stress factors: Holiday stress, financial strain, and family tensions can exacerbate relationship issues.

Has No-Fault Divorce Changed UK Divorce Rates?

No-fault divorce was introduced in the UK on April 2022. No fault divorce means parties no longer need to give a reason for their separation, other than that their marriage has irretrievably broken down.

A no-fault divorce aims to reduce conflict and help couples come to an amicable resolution without the need for finger-pointing. 

After no-fault divorce was introduced, there was a significant increase in divorce rates. The National Statistics of the Family Court published on 29 September 2022 show that between April and June 2022 there were 33,234 applications made under the new law, an increase of 22% from the same quarter in 2021. 

This could be because couples no longer must jump through as many hoops, and achieving a divorce is easier than it was previously with fewer disputes. Also, couples can now file joint applications, reduce conflict and make the process more amicable.

However, in 2025, divorce rates were down 3% compared to 2024. Divorce rates remain historically low, continuing the downward trend seen since the 1990s. Cost-of-living pressures are delaying divorces, as many couples cannot afford legal fees and separate households, despite relationship strain.

However, whilst separating and not divorcing may seem like a financially attractive option, it can end up costing you more in the long run. See more in What Happens If You’re Separated But Not Divorced?.

Free Divorce Advice

Seeking divorce advice may seem daunting if you’ve never instructed a solicitor before, and you may have no idea where to start. Our experienced divorce solicitors offer a free family law consultation to help you understand your options.

You can book an appointment by telephone, video call or in person You can book a consultation to have by telephone, video call or in person, at a time that suits your needs.

What is included:

– A 30-minute in depth consultation with a qualified family law Solicitor.

– A good understanding of your legal position and issues surrounding your situation.

– A clear road map of your situation and the solutions available to you.

– An estimate of your costs.

The process is:

1. Contact us and speak to one of our friendly family law team members for a confidential discussion on your situation.

2. Book your free family law consultation with one of our specialist family law solicitors.

3. Receive a case review which will give you a good understanding of your legal position and options to move forward including costs.

4. Instruct your family law solicitor and receive expert tailored advice and representation to get the best possible outcome for you and your family.

Divorce Solicitors at Howells

No two cases are ever the same, however, relationships that are already in difficulty can buckle under the pressure of the festive period. Others try to get through one last Christmas as a family or simply see the New Year as an opportunity for a fresh start.

No matter the cause, the legal issues arising from separation always need to be carefully considered. Our divorce solicitors are here to support you and provide you with guidance throughout. We can help with a range of matters, including child custody, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements and financial settlements.

Thinking about divorce? Request a call back below or call us on 0114 2235 807 to book your free consultation today.