A north west law firm is reporting a four-fold increase in divorce enquiries as the coronavirus lockdown puts pressure on relationships.
SAS Daniels, which has offices in Chester, Congleton, Macclesfield and Stockport, says that lockdown has led to relationship gripes being amplified and couples re-evaluating what they want from life.
In the first three weeks of June, the firm has received four times as many divorce-related enquiries compared with the previous month.
Peak divorce times are typically after periods where couples have spent extended periods together – after summer holidays and Christmas.
Anita Scorah, partner in the family team at SAS Daniels, 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."
She continued: "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.”
