National Divorce Day - What is it and why does it exist?

The start of the new year brings with it fresh beginnings, but sadly some endings too. As the festive season comes to an end, there tends to be a rise in divorce enquiries – resulting in what’s known as ‘National Divorce Day’.

We break down what this day means and why the new year tends to see a spike in relationship breakdowns.

What is National Divorce Day?

National Divorce Day typically lands on the first working day of every year, as this is a day that usually brings a high volume of divorce enquiries to family lawyers.

However, things may be slightly different during 2022. As a new no-fault divorce bill will come into law on the 6th April 2022, experts believe this date could see a larger spike in divorce enquiries – pushing ‘divorce day’ back to early Spring.

Why is there a jump in divorce enquiries at the start of the year?

It is thought that the rise in divorce enquiries is because couples’ problems have been exacerbated over the Christmas period. Christmas can be a stressful time for many, with stretched financial resources and greater interaction with extended family members.  Couples may also be looking to retain a sense of normality over the festive period, particularly for the sake of their children.

With the Coronavirus pandemic and various national lockdowns thrown into the mix, couples have faced additional struggles that have had a detrimental impact on their relationships, including mental health issues, job losses, money worries and ill health. Sadly, it is believed this has contributed to the rise in relationship breakdowns over the last couple of years.

Will the ‘no-fault’ divorce bill make a difference?

The new legislation coming into law in April 2022 will allow couples to remove the current fault or delay requirements, so they can begin their divorce proceedings together without having to cite blame. It is hoped this will set the tone for a more amicable resolution of related financial and child arrangements issues. While the new law will hopefully reduce conflict, it could also see a larger number of couples applying for divorce on the basis that their marriage has broken down through no particular fault of one person.

How can I find out more about getting a divorce?

If you or someone you know is seeking a divorce, our dedicated team of Family lawyers are here to support you. Please visit our Separation, Divorce, Finances & Children page for more details on how we can work with you, or contact a member of our Family team below.

This month, we’ll also be sharing various tips and resources, such as our article on 10 Tips For Couples Considering Divorce Or Separation.