According to Co-op Legal Services, the number of divorce enquiries increased by over 40% between 23 March 2020, when lockdown was first announced, and June 2020, compared with the same timespan in 2019.
This is down to couples spending more time together during lockdown with financial worries and uncertain futures, causing stress and frustration.
Divorce proceedings have been continuing over video conferencing calls whilst courts have remained closed. Urgent cases such as those involving domestic abuse or child protection are being prioritised.
Tracey Maloney, head of family law at Co-op Legal services said:
“We saw enquiries jump by 75% compared with 2019 in some weeks of lockdown. Friday has been the most common day for enquiries, followed by Tuesday”
Cost of divorce is rising
The cost of separation and divorce increased by 17% between 2014 and 2018, according to a report by Aviva.
The legal and lifestyle costs of separation in 2018 amounted to an average of £14,561 – up 17% since 2014, when the total was £12,432.
Overall, £1.7 billion is spent on separation costs in the UK each year – an increase of £100 million since 2014.
Legal fees make up a large amount of the expenses, having more than doubled from £1,280 to £2,679 over the same period.
Setting up a new home also represented a significant cost for people going through separation or divorce, as it was revealed 16% buy a new property, spending an average of £144,600 and 51% return to renting, spending an average of £7,519 annually.
Paul Brencher, health and protection director at Aviva UK, said:
“The breakdown of a marriage or long-term relationship is likely to be one of the most emotionally demanding life events for people who experience it.
Such circumstances are made all the harder due to the lack of preparedness by many.
Ensuring a better mutual understanding of household finances can make navigating the process more manageable if the relationship takes an unforeseen turn.”
We can help you manage your finances.