Ben Evans, Lead Family Law Solicitor at Co-op Legal Services, comments on the cost of living crisis' impact on divorce applications, with many delaying them due to monetary issues.

Co-op Legal Services has revealed a shift in divorce trends, as its business data shows springtime is now the most common time of year for couples to enquire about divorce rather than the first working Monday in January (8^th), known commonly as Divorce Day.

Data released by leading legal provider, Co-op Legal Services, reveals that due to financial reasons, many are now considering waiting until later in the year to start divorce proceedings, with nearly a quarter of people (21%) admitting to delaying divorce proceedings due to the impact it would have on their finances.

However, nearly two-thirds (63%) of people who delayed their divorce due to monetary reasons wish they hadn't due to the impact it had on their life and those around them.

Ben Evans, Lead Family Law Solicitor at Co-op Legal Services, said: 

It is common in the industry to see a surge in divorce enquiries in January, which usually is a result of couples not wanting to disrupt the family home during the festive period.

Our business data predicts that divorce day has now moved back from January to the springtime with more couples now waiting until then to start the divorce process, also coinciding with the new financial year.

This suggests the impact the cost of living crisis has had on those wanting to divorce their spouse over recent years, with many potentially having not been in the position financially to start divorce proceedings. However, our research results reveal the negative impact delaying a divorce can have on families and careers and we would advise anyone in this position to reach out for advice, especially when coupled with the average divorce case exceeding one year.

Full release: The test of time… and money: Cost of Living crisis forces Brits to delay getting divorced, reveals Co-op Legal Services

✉️ Sarah Jane Thoms, Co-op, sarahjane.thoms@coop.co.uk