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Why divorce and separation enquiries rise after the summer holidays

Did you know that there’s often a spike in divorce and separation enquiries in September?

Every year, as the school holidays end, we often see a noticeable increase in people reaching out to us for legal advice about their relationships.

It’s a pattern that family solicitors across the country recognise, with some law firms reporting enquiries rising by as much as 30 per cent at this time of year.

Relationships strained by summer holidays

For some lucky families, the school holidays are a chance to step away from work and the normal school routines and spend time together making memories that will last a lifetime.

Unfortunately, not everyone gets that happy experience.

While we know that the dynamics of every relationship are different, when someone first picks up the phone or sits down with us in September, the conversations often start in similar ways:

“I thought the holiday would fix things, but it made me realise how unhappy I really am.”

“We couldn’t stop arguing, and I don’t see how we can move past it.”

“We kept things going for our children’s sake, but now they’re back at school, I can’t put it off any longer.”

“I realised I don’t want to spend another summer pretending everything’s fine.”

We often go into the summer holidays hoping they will be a chance to reconnect. However, when those hopes fall short, the disappointment can make existing cracks feel wider.

Between the extra time spent together, the financial strain of summer spending and big family milestones like children starting school or heading off to university, September becomes the time many are forced to confront whether their relationship can move forward.

What should you do if you are considering divorce?

September is a time of fresh starts in many areas of life, and for you, that might mean acknowledging that your relationship is no longer working.

If the holidays have left you questioning the future of your relationship, we recommend seeking legal advice.

Reaching out to a solicitor doesn’t mean you have to start divorce proceedings immediately, you’re just searching for clarity of your options.

Our initial advice can help you:

Understand your legal and financial position.

Explore non-court options like mediation or negotiation.

Think through how to support your children through any changes.

Should you then choose to proceed with ending your relationship, we will help you through the divorce process to achieve the best outcome for you and your family.

Contact our family law team today for tailored guidance.

Stuart Daniel

Director – Head of Family Department

I qualified as a Solicitor in 2006 and now specialise in divorce, financial settlements, childcare arrangements and Pre Nuptial Agreements. I have many years’ experience as a private family lawyer having worked with two other local firms before returning to Mander Hadley, where I first undertook work experience during my university studies.