Pictured: Claire Backler
With the latest national statistics suggesting a near five per
cent rise in the number of divorces, a Wyre Forest divorce lawyer
has warned couples to make sure the festive season is 'a time to
celebrate, not separate.'
Claire Backler, a partner at Kidderminster law firm MFG
Solicitors, has spoken out following a recession-fuelled rise in
the number of couples calling time on their unhappy marriages,
whilst also warning on the 'seasonal strain' the Christmas and New
Year period can have on relationships.
Ms Backler said: "Many relationships across the Wyre Forest are
under immense pressure due to the tough economic climate but the
festive period can accelerate those personal and financial
worries."
"For some couples, there is a definite seasonal strain around
this time of year to entertain or provide gifts for their families
and friends which in turn is putting extra stress onto marriages.
It's also a time when, as a firm, we see a rise in the number of
clients visiting us to put the wheels of divorce in motion."
Latest figures released by the National Office for Statistics
concluded that nearly 120,000 couples in the UK got divorced during
2010 - an increase of 4.9 per cent on the previous year. The
figures also showed more divorces are granted to women than men -
79,124 compared to 40,301. The main reason cited is
'behaviour'.
Ms Backler, a widely-respected expert on legal issues affecting
families across Kidderminster added: "It's no secret that many
divorces stem from couples growing apart through money worries and
it's a sad fact that for some couples in the Wyre Forest, this time
of year provides the springboard for divorce."
"I also accept that sadly some relationships are beyond repair.
Therefore as we prepare to enter 2012 I'd really advise those
couples to refrain from point scoring, seek proper legal advice and
direct their efforts towards constructive discussions. That process
will also help many couples who wrongly assume that separating for
two years and then being granted a divorce by consent is cheaper -
that is entirely wrong."
Ms Backler concluded: "This is a time for celebrating, not
separating and like everyone, I hope 2012 will see a downturn in
divorce figures. But some couples are beyond help and are
determined to divorce - so I would urge them to take the process
through the correct legal channels."
For more information about MFG Solicitors, please visit their
website here: www.mfgsolicitors.com