Today (January 9) will be one of the busiest days of the year for Tayside divorce lawyers.
Known as Dday to industry's legal experts, the Monday of the first full week back at work after the New Year is when many people decided to seek advice or file for divorce.
Stephen Brand, partner and head of the family law team at Thorntons explains that the end of the festive season can push people into making decisions about their future.
He said: "One of the busiest times for family lawyers is when people get back to either work or their normal routine after Christmas. They decide the time has come to do something about their domestic situation and approach a lawyer.
"Christmas can be an incredibly stressful time for people and this is often magnified when unhappy couples are thrust together over the festive period.
"With no work distractions, warring couples find themselves spending more time in each other's company and, this combined with the conception that everyone else is having a whale of a time, can often be the last straw.
"I often hear clients say that they do not want to find themselves in the same position in another 12 months."
Stephen believes that financial worries are also a common cause of problems in family life, and the enquiries he receives often coincides with the arrival of the credit card bill.
He added: "It's then that couples begin to bicker and disagree about how bills are to be paid."
Stephen is urging people to seek professional advice about their situation and look at all the choices available.
He said: "While it is a difficult first step to take, you may find that the options available to you aren't what you might expect.Although there may be some disagreements to resolve, finding a resolution to your difficulties might possible through mediation or collaboration avenues and an experienced family lawyer will be able to assist you with any of these approaches.
"At an initial appointment, family lawyers will advise you about your situation without committing to taking any further steps. They will be able to guide you about your financial situation, the family home and importantly the position regarding any children involved."
Issued by Beattie Communications on behalf of Thorntons Solicitors.
Contact: Jennifer Black, Tel 01698 787878