Why January can be a turning point and what it really means for couples

Why January?

The festive season can bring underlying tensions into sharper focus. Financial pressure, family expectations, and the weight of trying to create a “perfect Christmas” can magnify cracks that already exist. For many, the new year can offer something else… space. A natural pause, a moment to breathe and think clearly about what comes next. After weeks of family commitments and financial strain, January can feel like the first opportunity to take the first step.

While January often feels like a natural pause, it’s not the only time couples reach out for support. We see turning points throughout the year, after school holidays, during major life changes, or when financial pressures make people reassess. Every situation is unique, and the right time is simply when you feel ready.

Why do people wait?

Ending a marriage isn’t just a legal process, it’s an emotional and practical one. Our research shows that for most people, delay isn’t about indecision, but about responsibility, fear and feeling unprepared.

Children

More than half (52%) of those who want to divorce, or legally separate, say children are the main reason they haven’t started the process yet. Among younger adults aged 25-34, this rises to 58%, highlighting how concerns about stability, disruption and emotional impact weigh heavily on parents. For many, waiting feels like a way of protecting their children, even when the relationship itself no longer feels right.

Financial pressure

Alongside family considerations, money is a major barrier. Over a third (35%) cite the rising cost of living as holding them back, while 26% say a lack of savings means they don’t feel financially ready to begin. For older adults, affordability concerns become even more pronounced, with 55% of those aged 55+ citing cost of living pressures.

Emotional barriers

Beyond children and finances, many people struggle with the emotional reality of taking the first step. One in five (21%) haven’t told their partner they want to separate and 17% say they haven’t started because they believe their partner is still in love with them. These findings suggest that for many, the hardest part isn’t the paperwork, it’s navigating guilt and the uncertainty about what comes next.

The turning point

What’s often misunderstood about Divorce Day is that it isn’t about rushing into action. Most people have already been thinking about separation for a long time, on average, around 14 months. Divorce Day can be the point where reflection turns into taking action. Taking time to understand your options matters, but we know when decisions are delayed for too long, more than half of divorced people wish they’d acted sooner.

Take your first step

Divorce Day isn’t about blame or failure. It’s about finding clarity and support when emotions are high. Even picking up the phone can feel impossible. That’s why we’ve created our Take a Breath hub, it’s a space to pause, understand your options, and move forward with confidence.

Who it’s for:

• Young couples planning ahead or navigating separation early on
• Parents navigating separation and putting children first
• Those starting again later in life

Our guides and expert advice meet you where you are. We combine legal expertise with human understanding, so you feel supported, not rushed through every decision. If you’re facing big choices, you’re not alone. We’re here to help you understand your options and take the next step. Explore the hub.

About the research

The findings are based on a survey of 2,000 UK adults who are married, in a civil partnership, divorced, or currently going through a divorce. It covers reasons marriages end, the solutions couples try to save their relationship, and the emotional, financial, and practical considerations that shape the decision-making process.