The September divorce spike explained

January and September are commonly viewed as the most ‘popular’ months to begin divorce proceedings. Here, Debbie Heald from our family team takes a closer look at why September sees so much divorce activity and sets out some top tips for anyone considering divorce as the next step in their separation. 

Holiday season is over 

Few divorces are commenced over the summer period to avoid disrupting family holidays and trips. They’ve often long been in the diary, with children excited and couples having saved up to go away for some time. That’s typically why many couples choose to delay major decisions — such as separation or divorce — and reassess their positions in September.  

Back to school 

Children returning to school in September is another factor that makes it easier for parents (on a practical level) to obtain advice and provide their solicitor with instructions discretely, with minimal impact on their children. The start of the new academic year brings about structure and normality, which for many couples provides a clearer mind to make big life decisions.  

Summer pressures 

The summer holidays can be a stressful time for both working and non-working parents. Whether couples are juggling childcare or one takes on the lion's share of the childcare responsibilities while the kids are off school, tensions can be heightened during this time. This may place strain on a relationship, especially where issues already exist.  

Summer holiday blues 

Some couples hope that spending quality time together over the summer will rebuild and strengthen their marriage and family unit. If — on reflection — the summer hasn’t lived up to expectations and the cracks in the relationship remain, legal advice is often sought to understand the options and potential next steps.  

New Year mentality & Christmas preparations 

In much the same way as January, the month of September marks the start of a new academic year, which can often be seen as a fresh start and motivate changes and resolutions.  
 
Plus, as the summer ends, attention starts to turn to festive preparations. Perhaps the thought of spending an unhappy Christmas together could trigger many couples to seek divorce advice. Taking this step in September may also provide sufficient time for Christmas child arrangements to be discussed and agreed.  

When you add the current cost-of-living crisis into the mix — which is placing additional financial pressures on couples, especially when presents are added to the shopping list — it’s easy to see why September sees so many explore their options. 

Top tips — how to prepare for divorce proceedings 

How you prepare for a divorce practically, financially, emotionally and legally can make a significant difference to the process and (in some cases) the outcome. It’s therefore advisable to consider and prepare as much as possible in each area.  

Practical divorce tips 

1. Consider your living arrangements. For example, will the family home be retained or sold? What child arrangements would you like in place?  
2. Think about how you’ll inform the children of the separation in a child-focused, constructive and united way.
3. Do you understand the divorce process and the legal terminology that you’ll encounter? Now is the time to do your research and familiarise yourself with what to expect. 

Financial divorce tips 

1. Consider your financial position and needs. Ensure that you have an understanding and involvement in all financial decisions with full awareness of your assets, pensions and income.  
2. Consider how your legal fees will be funded.  
3. If you don’t have one already, open your own bank account and become familiar with online banking apps and other financial apps used to manage funds.  
4. Make yourself known to any joint professional advisors — such as financial advisors, planners, wealth managers or tax advisors — since while they’re advising both you and your partner (or former partner), they may typically only communicate directly with one of you. It’s critical to ensure that you’re kept up to date with any advice being provided and any financial decisions being made. You should also consider obtaining your own financial advice.  

Legal divorce tips  

1. Make sure to obtain early advice from a specialist family law solicitor. It’s crucial to understand your rights and responsibilities. It can often be helpful to take advice before a decision to separate has formally been made.  
2. Solicitors who are members of Resolution are committed the constructive resolution of family law disputes. Some solicitors (like myself) are also Resolution-accredited.  
3. Understand the information and documentation which will be required by your solicitor by way of financial disclosure and where possible, begin to compile this. It can be helpful to look at Form E.  
4. Locate your marriage certificate.
5. Consider updating important legal documents such as your Will, Power of Attorney or any insurance policies.
6. Consider the types of Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR) available and your responsibilities in this regard. NCDR can help couples to reach an agreement more amicably and cost effectively with the full support of their family law solicitor. This isn’t an alternative to legal advice but works alongside it to help couples achieve a compromised, non-confrontational outcome.  

Emotional divorce tips 

1. Don’t be afraid or anxious about seeking support. Actively engage with a therapist or counsellor as early as possible. Divorce is an emotive process and professional support can really make a difference. Discover our 12 essential self-care tips during separation or divorce.
2. Wherever possible, keep an open communication channel with your spouse.  

Talk to us 

Whether you’re considering annulment, judicial separation or waiting to divorce, we’re here to help you navigate your next steps with clarity and confidence.  

Our specialist family lawyers advise individuals across all types of separation and divorce proceedings. We’ll work with you to find the best legal route forward — and protect your interests, finances and future. 

Give us a call on 0333 004 4488, email us at hello@brabners.com or complete our contact form below.