Member Article

Law firm warns of post-summer divorce peak

Here at bdaily we try our hardest to bring news of the positive side of business in the North East. Sometimes, however, one man’s bad news is another man’s booming business…

Family lawyers at a Darlington law firm are bracing themselves for a busier than average post-summer divorce peak as rising inflation rates and the effects of the credit crunch increase tensions in already fragile relationships.

September is typically the second-busiest month of the year for divorce actions as vulnerable relationships crumble under the pressure of couples spending time together during the summer holidays. With the slow down in the economy and ever rising commodity prices hitting disposable incomes, the team at Latimer Hinks expect to receive an increase in divorce enquiries this year.

Judith Middleton, family law specialist and partner in Latimer Hinks said: “We normally witness a slowdown in divorce cases in the lead in to the summer holidays. However, this year, that has just not happened and we remain as busy as ever. It seems that rising petrol, energy and food prices combined with a widespread shortage of credit are stretching couples to the limit. Sadly, many are separating as a result.”

Post-summer holiday blues are witnessed each year by divorce lawyers up and down the country.

Judith added: “Couples find it easier to paper over the cracks in their relationship when levels of disposable income are high. The opposite is true when couples need to tighten their belts. Financial worries are a major source of conflict and this, combined with an unhappy summer holiday, can lead many couples to separation and divorce. Regardless of the time of year, the advice remains the same: seek professional help to unravel complicated financial and emotional issues and, if at all possible, reach an amicable settlement.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .