DEBT FEARS DRIVE ‘BLUE MONDAY’ SURGE IN SEPARATION ADVICE
- peakadvertiser
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
New Year financial anxiety is placing growing strain on relationships, with a leading Hope Valley law firm warning that Monday, 19 January, could be the tipping point for people feeling overwhelmed by money worries and relationship pressure.
The date, commonly referred to as ‘Blue Monday’, is recognised as a point in the calendar when stress and anxiety tend to peak, following the financial and emotional pressures of Christmas, the return to routine and continuing cold and dark nights.
Recent BBC reporting has highlighted the scale of financial concern at this time of year. Debt charities say the first weeks of January are the busiest period for helplines, with National Debtline recording its busiest single day ever during early January, when 1,365 calls were received in one day alone.
Graysons of Hathersage says the surge in financial anxiety often coincides with increased relationship strain. While debt does not cause separation, the firm says financial pressure can intensify existing difficulties, leading more couples to seek advice during January.
Graysons warns that this can result in rushed decisions, particularly where couples opt for do-it-yourself or online divorces without properly addressing finances.
Without a legally binding consent order approved by the court, future claims can still be made against property, savings and pensions. The firm says pensions are one of the most commonly overlooked assets, despite often being among the most valuable built up during a relationship.
Megan Wroe, Head of Family at Graysons, said: “January is a time when financial pressure, darker days and reflection about the year ahead can cause great strain. For couples who are already struggling, that pressure can make separation feel urgent. Divorce should always be a last resort, but when it does happen, taking early advice and understanding the financial implications can prevent serious problems later on.”
Alongside Megan is senior family law solicitor Angela Moores, who has more than 30 years’ experience advising on financial settlements, including complex and high-value cases.
Supporting Megan and Angela, is Isabella Franchini, a newly qualified solicitor who deals with a range of family law matters.
Together with the wider Hathersage-based family team at Graysons, they are urging anyone facing relationship difficulties this January to seek early guidance, understand their options fully and protect their long-term financial security.
Megan and the family team can be contacted on: 01433 520008.
More information: https://www.graysons.co.uk/about-us/meet-team/#family
Graysons is situated at Brunel House, Heather Lane, Hathersage, Hope Valley S32 1DP.
