Divorce solicitors and lawyers in the region believe the snow and frosty conditions which brought the country to a halt earlier in January have caused the traditional surge in divorce enquiries to be delayed.
Stephensons Solicitors LLP reports that the usual early January rush to start divorce proceedings has actually started later than usual, with the firm receiving a deluge of online enquiries in the last two weeks of January.
Mandy Rimmer, Partner and Head of Family and Relationships at Stephensons, says: “While early January is normally our busiest time, we certainly think the cold weather forced people to put off their plans for a few weeks at least. In the first two weeks we did have a lot of appointments with new clients set up but these had to be re-arranged because of the snow.
“But, in the last two weeks of the month in particular, we have also really seen a noticeable increase in the number of people contacting us, particularly over the web, to request free family appointments for advice.”
Many couples decide to part before Christmas but agree to hold off until after, particularly when children are involved.
Mandy adds: “After an albeit delayed start to the year, those unhappy with married life are now firmly getting on with their plans to begin a new single life.
“Taking the right legal advice at an early stage can relieve some of the distress of divorce, as a Family solicitor can help people consider all the options, including division of the matrimonial assets, arrangements for the children and also preparing for the future.”
Stephensons can offer free initial help regarding the options available for separating couples and a range of funding methods including fixed price divorces and Legal Aid. The firm also has a trained collaborative lawyer who can advise couples who would prefer to divorce through constructive discussion rather than through the Courts.
Visit the website, www.stephensons.co.uk, to arrange a free appointment with a family solicitor in confidence.
ENDS
Notes to editors
- Stephensons has one of the largest family teams in the North West, comprising 26 solicitors. The firm is one of a select number in the UK that can offer specialist collaborative law.
- The latest edition of Legal 500 ranks Stephensons as a top 60 UK law firm and the fifth largest legal practice in the North West.
- The firm has 26 partners and more than 300 staff in Manchester, Wigan, Bolton, Leigh and St Helens.
Media information: Lianne Tracey
Stephensons Solicitors LLP
T: 01616 966 229