As the first working Monday of the year, today (5 January) is widely dubbed “Divorce Day” and so the annual flurry of media stories about divorce will begin.
However, data from HCR Law’s sizeable family team which comprises 37 specialist solicitors across 11 offices reveals there is no evidence to support the idea of a single day when divorce enquiries peak.
Reviewing divorce enquiries across the team over the past two years, the firm found that its busiest months for divorce and separation enquiries were April and September in 2025, and February and March the year before.
Christopher Finch, a partner in HCR Law’s family team, says:
“Our data reinforces the view that divorce day is a myth. While January can feel busy because December is traditionally quieter, there is no sudden surge on one particular day that justifies the label ‘divorce day’.”
The persistence of the myth is often linked to the pressures of the festive period. Christmas and New Year can heighten existing tensions in already fragile relationships, and law firms may notice an increase in enquiries once offices reopen. However, this is more likely to reflect pent-up demand rather than impulsive decisions made over the holiday period.”
Where seasonal patterns do emerge, they are often far more nuanced. Drawing on enquiries handled across its 11 offices, HCR Law’s experience suggests that September can be a particularly busy month, potentially linked to couples reassessing their relationships after a “make-or-break” summer holiday or once children have returned to school and routines resume.
National data also undermines the idea of a January divorce spike. The Office for National Statistics reports that divorce rates are falling, with divorces in England and Wales down by almost 30% in 2022 compared to the previous year – the lowest level since 1971. At the same time, long-term social trends such as declining marriage rates and a rise in cohabiting couples mean fewer people are divorcing simply because fewer people are married in the first place.
Christopher adds:
“Decisions about separation are rarely sudden. For parents, in particular, timing is often influenced by children’s needs, school terms, exams and wider financial considerations. Many people think carefully about when and how to take the next step. There simply is no such thing as ‘divorce day’. For every couple, the right time will depend on their unique circumstances.”
