Megan Wroe
The date, commonly referred to as ‘Blue Monday’, is recognised as a point in the calendar when stress and anxiety tend to peak, following the financial and emotional pressures of Christmas, the return to routine and continuing cold and dark nights.
Recent BBC reporting has highlighted the scale of financial concern at this time of year. Debt charities say the first weeks of January are the busiest period for helplines, with National Debtline recording its busiest single day ever during early January, when 1,365 calls were received in one day alone.
Graysons says the surge in financial anxiety often coincides with increased relationship strain. While debt does not cause separation, the firm says financial pressure can intensify existing difficulties, leading more couples to seek advice during January.
Graysons warns that this can result in rushed decisions, particularly where couples opt for do-it-yourself or online divorces without properly addressing finances. While no-fault divorce has made it easier to legally end a marriage, it does not deal with financial arrangements, meaning former partners can remain financially linked long after the divorce itself is finalised.
Without a legally binding consent order approved by the court, future claims can still be made against property, savings and pensions. The firm says pensions are one of the most commonly overlooked assets, despite often being among the most valuable built up during a relationship.
Megan Wroe, head of family at Graysons, said:
“January is a time when financial pressure, darker days and reflection about the year ahead can cause great strain. For couples who are already struggling, that pressure can make separation feel urgent. Divorce should always be a last resort, but when it does happen, taking early advice and understanding the financial implications can prevent serious problems later on.”
Megan is urging anyone facing relationship difficulties this January to seek early guidance, understand their options fully and protect their long-term financial security.
