North West Divorce Applications: Three times as high, a month early

Appointments to discuss or file for divorce are running at three times the normal level for December, confirming worst beliefs that January 2009 will be one of the busiest periods ever for marriage splits in the North West.

Family department solicitors at SAS Daniels LLP in Stockport/Macclesfield/ Chester/Congleton/Bramhall say each of its marital-specialising lawyers would normally expect to take on just one new client a week on the run up to Christmas – but some are taking on one a day.

“The bubble has burst: couples who thought they could get through their difficulties, or get through what they may have thought would be a brief economic downturn blip, and were consequently delaying divorce, have suddenly realised the credit crunch is long term and that life is just too short, so they have decided they can wait no longer,” said Maria Taylor of SAS Daniels LLP.

“To my knowledge this is the busiest our firm has ever been for instructions to proceed on filing for divorce.

“In December 2007 our family lawyers were taking on one divorce client a week each – in December 2008 the family team is taking on between two and five new clients a week each, with an average of three a week for each team member.

“The figures for those seeking marriage counseling are up 59%, but clearly many couples are believing they have left things long enough, their marriage is over and that they want to get on with matters as soon as possible.

“People realise that by delaying divorce they are simply prolonging the agony , and that it’s better to seek legal advice from a Solicitor to help find a solution sooner rather than later.”

For more information contact Maria Taylor