Experts advise against making hasty decisions about the future after a challenging Christmas
Relationships Scotland, Scotland’s leading relationship support charity, is urging couples not to make hasty decisions about their future if they’ve had a difficult time over Christmas.
The first working Monday of the year, known as Divorce Day, is often the time when there’s a surge in people looking to leave their partner and enter into a formal separation agreement. This is often the result of the emotional pressures and expense of Christmas, which can push couples to breaking point as the New Year starts.
Stuart Valentine, Chief Executive of Relationships Scotland said: “The festive season can put a huge strain on relationships where families typically spend more time together with normal routines disrupted, creating a far higher potential for stress and arguments to erupt.
“As we approach what is now known as Divorce Day, we would urge couples not to be hasty in making decisions about the future but instead seek help to discuss the issues which are causing problems within the relationship.
“Often the advice and support from a trained counsellor can be the difference between a family staying together, or becoming another January divorce statistic.
“Where couples do decide to separate, we also have family mediators across the country who can help separating parents agree the future living arrangements for their children, ensuring both parents keep in contact with their kids after they split up where possible.”
The total number of divorces granted in Scotland in 2022-23 was 7,488, a slight drop from the 8,249 in 2021-22 but still significantly higher than the 5,698 granted in 2020-21.
Stuart Valentine added: “While Christmas will be a time of happiness for many, the pressure it brings can be too much for an already fragile relationship.
“Relationships Scotland understands the importance of positive and resilient relationships and the damage caused by relationship breakdown if not handled properly, especially for children.
“We hope couples experiencing difficulties will think about accessing support through counselling or mediation, before heading to the courts seeking divorce.”
Monday 6th January, National Divorce Day, reportedly sees a significant spike in divorce enquiries. Eleanor Levy, Chief Commercial Officer at now:pensions comments: “Pensions are often one of the largest and in some cases the second most valuable asset in a marriage after a home, yet they are frequently overlooked during divorce settlements.
“Sharing these savings could play a huge role in narrowing the gender pensions gap, as today women retire on average with pension savings of £69,000, compared to £205,000 for men*.
“It is essential women understand this when settlement terms are being negotiated. Ignoring these savings can leave one spouse with insufficient funds, ultimately undermining their financial stability for decades to come.”
*Source: now:pensions gender-pensions-gap-report-24.pdf
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