Divorce enquiries rise four-fold at Cheshire solicitors

Cheshire solicitors, SAS Daniels, have reported a four-fold rise in divorce enquiries as lockdown restrictions are eased, showing the strain the coronavirus pandemic has placed on relationships.

SAS Daniels, which has offices in Chester, Congleton, Macclesfield and Stockport, say the figures suggest lockdown has led to relationship disharmony being amplified in close quarters, and couples have re-evaluated their wants and needs.

In the first three weeks of June, the Cheshire firm has seen divorce related enquiries have spike to levels four times higher than during May.

This week marks three months since the beginning of lockdown due to the pandemic, which began on 23rd March, and the rise in divorce enquiries mirrors other periods where couples spend extended periods together: after the summer and Christmas holidays are typically peak times for beginning divorce proceedings.

Anita Scorah, partner in the family team at SAS Daniels’ Macclesfield office, said:

In the past few weeks, we have seen an upsurge in divorce instructions from new clients. Whilst we had anticipated a rise following the enforced proximity of lockdown, interestingly, we are mostly experiencing couples who remain on good terms, but who have decided their marriage has reached its natural end.

“Rather than acrimony and hostility having broken marriages apart, many have discussed matters between themselves and are looking for a civilised and amicable winding-up of a situation which has simply not been positively working for either of them for some time. These new couples are looking to navigate their way out of a relationship that has run its course.

“Sadly, the COVID-19 situation has stalled the introduction of the new no-fault divorce legislation; however, it is possible to work the current system to enable separate living with effective shared parenting. Being locked down together seems to have, out of necessity, engendered a more composed and calm approach to what has historically been a more typically discordant and volatile time.”

SAS Daniels is a full-service law firm with four offices in Chester, Congleton, Macclesfield and Stockport. Specialisms include corporate and commercial, dispute resolution, employment law and HR, commercial property, residential property, wills, trusts and probate, and family law.