Due to the failing economy, increased unemployment, collapsing housing market and the usual stressful Christmas period, areas all over the UK are seeing an increase in divorces. Liverpool is no exception, with divorce lawyers in the city seeing the level of divorces increase by three times on that of last year.

Law firm Gregory Abrams Davidson says that the economic slowdown is to blame for many divorces, with Andrew Lee, a divorce lawyer with the firm, commenting:

There has always been a blip in the number of new divorce instructions we receive in January.

But sadly many couples are now also feeling the heat of the economic downturn and being pushed to breaking point.

It’s not just divorce lawyers who are seeing a spike in business either, relationship councillors and charities are also seeing an increase in enquiries from couples looking for advice.

Denise Knowles is a relationship councillor, she comments:

This is always a busy time for Relate and divorce lawyers, and I’m not surprised that it’s up this year.

People are very anxious about whether they are going to be able to pay for Christmas or pay the mortgage this month and next. People do get a little panicky.

When we have things like this, if you have a robust relationship it stands a reasonable chance of survival. But for one that’s hanging on in there, this can be the proverbial final straw.

If a couple has never had to manage difficult times and always had plenty, they can feel inadequate or less able to manage.

Clive Bellmore