North East couples caught up as divorce enquiries skyrocket after Christmas
Divorce enquiries are believed to skyrocket during the first week of January, but North East couples are being urged to take their time with any decisions.
This first week of January is known among the legal profession as 'Divorce Day', when online searches about proceedings skyrocket after the Christmas break.
It's thought the strain of the festive period could take some relationships to breaking point.
Although family lawyer Amanda Adeola from Mack's Solicitors in Darlington says this could be a myth, she says the firm has seen an increase in enquiries this week.
Her main message to people who are considering divorce is to put any children involved first, and to consider all legal options available.
Many couples fear lengthy court battles, but Amanda says that doesn't have to be the case.
She said: "There is a confusion that everyone has to go to court for a huge battle about sorting out their finances.
"That's not necessarily true.
"There are alternative methods, court is always the last resort and it does cost a lot of money and it does take time.
"Mediation, abritration or using a specialist solicitor who deals with collaborative law puts more control in your hands."
It's not only law offices who see an increase in demand at this time of year.
Relate in Darlington offer counselling services for couples and families going through hard times.
Chief Executive Carol Walker says their phones ring off the hook when the children go back to school from couples who've had a stressful Christmas.
She said: "They have pictures on their TV about what a perfect Christmas will be and it doesn't turn out like that.
"We have a lot of families who argue about their different attitudes to bringing up children and their different attitudes to Christmas.
"It just highlights were the breaking points are for some people."