ECONOMY AND CHRISTMAS COMBINED PUTS PRESSURE ON RELATIONSHIPS

TBI Solicitors > News

Christmas is well known as a time when couples get together but equally large numbers split up too. The ongoing economic crisis is also affecting many areas of our lives and, according to the Office of National Statistics, has most likely played a part in the rise in divorce rates in England and Wales.

We tend to have a romantic view of Christmas as an opportunity to get together as families but we all know that few survive the break without an argument or two.  If the couple are already fractious they may make an extra effort but the stress of "putting a face on" Christmas can lead to the ultimate break down of a relationship before the tinsel and tree leave the house.  It’s not therefore surprising that Christmas leads some to seriously consider a new start in the New Year.

The Office of National Statistics also reported that ‘divorce rates had increased recently.’  They state that ‘this could be consistent with the theory that recession is associated with an increased risk of divorce, but with a delayed impact.’

Victoria Moreton, partner with Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors and specialist in family law, comments: “Many couples considering divorce during an economic downturn will opt to stay together a while longer, hoping the value of their assets will recover thus allowing them a more valuable pot to split.  However, the current situation is much more bleak than we believed a couple of years ago, with little or no economic growth expected in the next few years.  This is likely to result in couples deciding to go ahead with the break up now, rather than waiting for a recovery which could be any number of years away.

Victoria adds: “The breakup of a relationship is a very difficult time, especially if there are children involved.  However, it is advisable to finalise any financial issues sooner rather than later, allowing both parties to move on with their lives, and avoiding such bombshells as a claim on a property many years later.

“There are options available to couples who are separating which can make the process less stressful and quicker, potentially avoiding the cost and pressure of court proceedings.  Once the decision has been taken to break up a relationship, the next step should be to seek professional advice about the options available.”

At Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors we understand the stresses and strains at such times and how important it is to get quick practical advice.  If you find yourself in such a situation we would always recommend making a call to your local legal expert.

Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors is the Tees Valley’s largest full-service law firm with offices in Stockton on Tees, Wynyard Park, Hartlepool and Barnard Castle.  For further advice, contact Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors on 0800 052 6824.

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