Divorce Monday - Is It Really A Thing & Why?

Summary

According to statistics from the Family Court, there were 28,865 divorce applications made between January to March 2023. A 5% decrease from the same quarter in 2022. Furthermore, between April to June 2023, there were 24,624 applications, a decrease of 30% from the previous year (according to Gov.UK). The data shows that the predicted surge didn’t come quite as expected. Amidst the holiday cheer and family gatherings, a peculiar notion has recently surfaced: Divorce Monday. But is it a genuine trend or merely a catchy phrase? For married couples who've contemplated the surge in divorce inquiries after the holiday season, our exploration of Divorce Monday aims to reveal the reality behind this intriguing phenomenon. * The concept of Divorce Monday; * Its emergence; * The factors that might make it more than just a myth. Divorce Monday is often used to describe the surge in divorce inquiries and filings that typically occur in the aftermath of the holiday season, particularly during the first Monday in January. Divorce Monday is based on the notion that the holiday season, emphasising family, togetherness, and reflection, can strain some couples. Prolonged time spent together.

Key information

• •The concept of Divorce Monday;
• •The factors that might make it more than just a myth.
• •Cohabiting couples have a higher divorce rate than those who don't. Statistics reveal that 57% of couples who didn't live together before marriage had a lasting marriage of 20+ years, while only 46% of cohabitating couples can say the same.
• •More than 70% of couples lack an understanding of marriage realities and stages. Couples marrying during the “honeymoon stage” or without counselling may face challenges when the romance fades.
• •Only two countries, the Republic of the Philippines and Vatican City, prohibit divorce to preserve the sacredness of marriage as an enduring spiritual and legal bond between spouses.
• •Contested divorces can take over a year to finalise, while simple divorces may only require three months. On average, couples spend around $7,000 to dissolve their union.
• •Many divorced individuals don't give up on marriage. 64% of men and 52% of women remarry after their first marriage ends.
• •Women are more likely to initiate divorce, with nearly 7 in 10 marriage dissolutions initiated by females. This is based on research on heterosexual couples. Women often shoulder the mental load in a relationship and take on the primary caregiving role for children. The added burden, notably when their support system is lacking, could explain their higher likelihood of initiating divorce.
• •Hinduism has the lowest divorced population. With 60% married, only 5% are divorced in this group.
• •70% of children live with married parents. However, the number of children living solely with their mothers has significantly increased. In 2020, 21% of children lived only with their mother, compared to 11% in 1968. The number of children living solely with their fathers has also increased. In 1968, only 1% of children lived alone with their fathers, while in 2020, this number rose to 4.5%.
• •15% of married couples report signing a prenup. Having a prenuptial agreement in place simplifies the divorce process by providing clarity on critical issues. Couples can agree on these matters before marriage when working together is easier.
• •However, only 42% of adults support premarital contracts, and in 2010, only 3% of married couples had one. For those who choose not to use a prenup, finding a qualified divorce attorney is crucial to protect their rights during the dissolution of their marriage. An attorney can also guide the drafting of a fair and enforceable prenuptial agreement.

Practical guidance

• •Source: [Divorce Monday - Is It Really A Thing & Why?](https://lawhive.co.uk/knowledge-hub/divorce/divorce-monday-is-it-really-a-thing-and-why)

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