Celebrity break-ups signal start of divorce season

Three high profile break-ups at the beginning of January have once again demonstrated how the Christmas and New Year period almost always heralds an increase in the number of people filing for divorce.

A busy week or two at home with the family and in-laws can often act as a pre-cursor to relationship breakdown, perhaps because the greater amount of time spent together can cause conflicts to boil over, or just because a period of reflection away from the distractions of work can convince people it’s time to go their separate ways.

This time around singer Katy Perry and comedian Russell Brand have become the ‘cover stars’ of the New Year break-up season, after Brand’s lawyers filed divorce papers after 14 months of marriage.

Opera star Katherine Jenkins and TV presenter Gethin Jones also announced they are splitting up. The pair weren’t married but had been in a relationship for four years.

Meanwhile, lingerie tycoon Michelle Mone announced the breakdown of her 19-year marriage between Christmas and New Year.

Complicating factors in a divorce

All of these break-ups are interesting for a number of reasons, not just because of their timing in January.

For it’s likely that all three women earn significantly more than the men in the relationship, which goes against the traditional view of women looking to get an even share of their husband’s estate.

In the case of Perry and Brand there’s also the reported matter of there being no pre-nuptial agreement, which are allowed under US law, with some commentators speculating that Brand could be entitled to huge lump sum in a 50-50 split of the couple’s earnings.

In Mone’s case, she and her husband have three children. When children are involved this throws up a number of other issues, such as custody, childcare payments and visiting rights.

Jenkins and Jones would appear to have the less problematic break-up, but co-habiting couples who split still have their own problems to sort out in terms of property and finances.

What to do if you’re considering a divorce?

What these events do show us is that break-ups can be a messy and painful experience, no matter who you are.

If you’re in a similar situation and considering a separation or divorce now that the New Year has begun, what you need is someone who can give you specialist advice.

By speaking to a family solicitor at an early stage you will be able to get advice on what your options are so you can decide on the best solution for your circumstances.

Before discussing court proceedings, your solicitor can give you advice on the alternatives for resolving children and financial issues, such as the method of mediation.

Despite the fact that the law can have the effect of heightening tensions between you, there are ways of minimising conflict to ensure that your divorce is dealt with quickly and cost effectively while preserving relations to ensure effective communication and co-operation.

For further information on any family law issue, please contact the Family team at Harrison Drury on 01772 258321.