Divorce survival guide launched as break ups set to peak post-Christmas

As divorce enquiries are set to spike after the festive period, a South West law firm has produced a guide to surviving divorce, including advice from divorcees on hope to cope.

The period straight after the Christmas holidays can be one of the peak times for couples to start divorce proceedings – so much so that the media has dubbed the first working day after the festive break “divorce day”.

Liz Allen, partner and head of the family team at leading law firm Stephens Scown LLP explains: “The reasons for this spike in break ups are hard to pin point, but perhaps the financial stresses of Christmas, family arguments and an increased consumption of alcohol can all play a part in bringing struggling relationships to an end.”

Recognising the enormous stress that comes with divorce, Stephens Scown has produced a Divorce Survival Guide, which includes information about the divorce process as well as advice from some of the firm’s clients who have gone through a divorce.

Liz adds: “Although everyone’s circumstances are different, my clients are often at one of the lowest and most difficult times in their lives: the future can seem frightening and unknown, and it’s my role to help them to put the pieces back together. To produce our Divorce Survival Guide we have got back in touch with some of our divorce clients to find out how they are getting on now. All of them are in a much better place in their lives now and gave some great advice for others going through divorce.”

The advice from Stephens Scown’s clients includes:

·         Tell your friends and let them support you.
·         Remember to take care of yourself: eat well, try to get enough sleep and take some exercise.
·         Counselling may help you to understand what is happening and find ways to cope and move forward.
·         Think of the big picture and try to focus on the future.
·         Try not to get angry – find someone who can help you gain perspective and be a levelling influence on you.
·         Try to let go of the bad things and avoid blaming yourself or your partner for things that are in the past.
·         Recognise that you are a lot stronger than you think you are.
·         Try to find balance in your life. It is okay to enjoy doing other things and taking your mind off what you are going through.