Experts advise against making hasty decisions about the future after festive stress
Relationships Scotland, Scotland’s leading relationship support charity, is urging couples to seek support for relationship issues, rather than opting for separation if they’ve had a challenging 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 New Year often prompts couples to reflect on their relationship, especially if the festive season has been fraught. Traditionally there is a spike in people looking to separate on what has become known as Divorce Day.
“Christmas 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.
“Our advice is simple, and we 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 in Scotland has been relatively stable in Scotland over the last five years with 8,149 in 2024-25 compared to 8,251 in 2023-24.
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.”
