Sleighing Separation 🎄✨

A man asked his wife what she wanted for Christmas.

"A divorce," she said.

"Nah, I was thinking of something a bit less expensive," was his reply. 😅

Indeed, there's nothing less Christmassy than a divorce or separation.

Mostly it is a terrifying experience. Being rejected and having to move out and be on your own and perhaps losing contact with your children and extended family. It is not much better for the person bringing it about, having to step into the unknown and be on their own without the emotional or financial support of the other party. Certainly, it can be an expensive and difficult process for all involved.

At Christmas things do tend to come to a head.  There are all the family rituals, obligations and competing family loyalties. It can create a lot of pressure on some relationships.

This is all too familiar to family lawyers.  There is a surge in new divorce cases in the New Year as people swear they won't endure another Christmas like the last one and are determined to make a change.

But, although Christmas can be a source of tension, it can also be a time for new beginnings, peace, goodwill, and forgiveness.

It can be an opportunity to show kindness, to do everything possible so the other party and the children enjoy Christmas and have a happy time. It can be a time you go to the edge of the precipice, look over and decide to go back. 

So I wish those with difficult relationships, who are considering a breakup this Christmas, or realise that it may be forced upon them, every best wish and success this Christmas season.  That if they have not reached the point of no return and if they think there are realistic prospects, that they can avoid joining the unrelenting 40% of marriages and relationships that will end in separation. That they give it their best shot.

And if it doesn’t work out, then they know where they can turn to for  empathetic and caring support in the new year as they look for a different solution.

My best wishes to everyone for a happy, joyous and peace filled Christmas.  🎅🎁✨