Last updated on August 18th, 2015 at 02:58 pm

Unfortunately the popular Christmas image of happy families spending relaxed and contented time with family and friends – with all the usual trimmings isn’t one experienced by everyone.  The pressure to have fun, socialise, entertain and be generous can be impossible to live up to, and unrealistically high expectations on everyone’s part can cause stress and anxiety.

Many couples spend more time together at Christmas than at any other time – which can mean more time to reflect on relationships and more time to argue.  It is often a time when couples realise that they just don’t get on any more.  The purse strings are stretched further than usual at Christmas and so financial difficulties, especially during the current economic climate, are often at a peak.  The in-laws often don’t help either; full of peace and joy they may be, but the onslaught of extended family can make emotions run high.  The bubble bursts and couples who have managed to grit their teeth and ‘get on’ – particularly for the sake of the children – over Christmas simply find that they can’t cope with it any longer.

Domestic violence shows no reverence to the festive season, and though statistically ‘reports’ of domestic violence reduce over Christmas (possibly because women are trying to hold things together during holiday), the problem is as serious as it is the rest of the year, perhaps exacerbated by the increase in the liquid version of Christmas ‘spirit’.

Christmas often highlights the difference between people’s aspirations for a happy family life and the reality, and for those reflecting upon the last year and seeing no light at the end of the tunnel, new year resolutions of a ‘new life, new me’ are often set.  Many couples, realising they have simply had enough, feel it is time to think about themselves and their children and, looking for a positive change, decide to pursue a divorce.

If you are looking for a new start, Graysons WE can give you the help you need to divorce or separate in a way which fits your own particular needs.  With a range of packages, from fixed fee divorces to advice for divorcing professionals, our award winning specialist family department has many years’ experience of dealing with all issues relating to separating couples, whether that be children, finances, family business issues or dealing with domestic abuse.   Please contact us now to arrange a confidential meeting to discuss your options.   We are here to help.