Expert says there is one sign your marriage is over as 'divorce day' hits
January is a quiet month for most people after the chaos of the Christmas period - but for divorce lawyers, it's one of the busiest times of year.
The first month of the year is apparently a very popular period for married couples to call it quits, so legal firms enjoy a nice boom in business.
There's also a certain date where solicitors receive a 'notable spike in enquiries' about how to dissolve marriages, according to UK law firm Slater Heelis.
It explains that the first working Monday of the new year is known as 'divorce day' on the family law circuit, as loads of Brits 'considering separation' start blowing their phones up.
Advert
"This trend extends throughout January, earning the entire month its reputation as ‘divorce month'," it adds.
2026's divorce day has been and gone, as it took place on Monday (5 January) - so if your marriage has made it through the week, hats off. However, if you're someone who is sat on the fence about what to do about your relationship, this expert has some advice that might help you decide.
Don't forget folks, we're still in the throes of divorce month, even if we have got divorce day out of the way.
According to Vanessa White - who has helped countless couples navigate their splits - cracks often begin to show after Christmas.
The divorce coach reckons that the festive period can put a lot of stress on marriages due to various factors, including the financial stress that it brings.
Spending so much time in each others company while your off work can also bring 'simmering resentments to the fore', White says, while the dawn of the New Year often encourages people to rethink their relationships too.
Although these are all very valid feelings, the breakup guru urged Brits not to jump the gun and tank their marriage.
Sharing some advice for struggling couples, she said: "If somebody is feeling like they can't do it any more, you should slow down the process, take a pause, and make sure you're clear on what your core issues are.
"You need to make sure you're not taking impulsive action, because Christmas might have exacerbated those feelings."
However, White said a 'gut feeling' is one tell-tale sign that your relationship is completely dead in the water - and she explained why you should take heed of it if you've been considering divorce.
According to the 53-year-old, being plagued by a constant feeling of 'dread' and feeling unable to communicate with your partner means that it's time to pull the plug on your marriage.
"If you feel like you've almost withdrawn into yourself, feel very inwards, and don't feel like you can express your feelings or needs, that's a clear sign that something isn't right," White explained.
"If you're feeling that consistently, you do need to take heed of that. We should be able to be authentic and honest, and we shouldn't be afraid to speak about our feelings and needs."
The divorce expert, from Gloucestershire, said she is a 'big believer' that you should run for the hills if the relationship your in is 'not healthy, meeting needs and doesn't make you content'.
"You're better [off] not in it," White went on. "Almost 100 percent of my clients get that gut feeling that things aren't right, but they ignore it at first."
However, there is one Hail Mary move you can try which could save your marriage if you and your other half both want to 'make it work'.
Explaining it often 'comes down to communication', White said: "If you feel like things were once good, and you've lost your way, but you still both like each other, you can definitely try to work on that.
"You can work on clear strategies over several months to try and get the connection back.
"That could be improving communication, bringing in a professional, or even going to a GP if the issues are around physical intimacy, such as erectile dysfunction.
"It's all about communication to begin with - give your partner the opportunity to make an effort. Tell them what you miss and what you can do more of."
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Weddings, News, Dating trends
Olivia Burke