The first working Monday of January has long been called ‘Divorce Day’ with family lawyers reporting an increase in enquiries regarding relationship breakdowns and separations.
And whilst there is a grain of truth in those claims, January is more about celebrating engagements, couples putting their minds to prenuptial agreements for their forthcoming weddings, says leading divorce lawyer Vandana Chitroda, a Partner and Head of Family Law at the international law firm Broadfield Law.
The firm reports that in the first few days of 2025, it has seen a 50% increase in enquiries regarding prenuptial agreements as new couples begin to prepare for married life.
The increase, says Vandana Chitroda, is being driven by an increasing recognition that assets brought to a marriage need protection, often encouraged by family members.
“Pre-nuptial agreements have for quite some time been considered important when younger couples get married and look to protect assets or a future inheritance. They are considered vital for those getting married for the second, third and even fourth time.
“The concerns that may have surrounded prenups as ‘unromantic’ or making marriage ‘transactional’ are long gone. Today they are seen much in the same way as a Will – a sensible and practical financial planning tool that recognises the contributions each brings to the relationship.
“January is about new beginnings. For some that will mean separation and divorce, but just as 19 million people tuned in on Christmas Day to watch Smithy (finally) marry Nessa in the very last episode of Gavin and Stacey, so too will many also choose to start the new year with engagement and marriage.
“So move over ‘Divorce Day’. It’s time to celebrate January’s engagements and wedding plans – just don’t forget the prenup.”
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