The Cost of Living Crisis: How Financial Pressure Is Delaying Divorce and Separation

The ongoing cost of living crisis is affecting households across the UK, leaving many people facing difficult choices about their future. One of the areas where we are seeing the biggest impact is family separation.

Financial Barriers to Divorce During the Cost of Living Crisis

For many couples, the financial strain of everyday life has made the idea of funding a divorce or separation feel overwhelming. Rising housing costs, increased household bills, and uncertainty around future finances are leading some people to delay making important decisions about their relationships. As a result, many feel trapped in situations that are no longer healthy or sustainable, simply because they are worried they cannot afford to move forward.

At Thornton Jones Solicitors we recognise the immense pressure the rising cost of living is placing on families. No one should feel stuck in a relationship because they believe they cannot afford to speak to a solicitor.

Couples considering divorce or separation may find that the Budget does not offer the financial relief they were hoping for. Instead, many are left questioning whether now is the right time to begin the process, worried that legal fees, new housing arrangements, or changes to benefits and tax allowances could make an already difficult situation even more overwhelming.

Why Delaying Divorce or Separation Can Create Further Strain

While it’s understandable that people are reluctant to take on additional expenses during a cost of living crisis, delaying important decisions about your future can bring its own challenges, including the following:

1. Financial entanglement: Joint debts, shared mortgages, and combined bills can become even more complicated the longer separation is postponed.
   
   
2. Increased emotional stress: Living in an unhappy or unstable home environment can have a long-term impact on both adults and children.
   
   
3. Rising Housing Costs: With rents and mortgage rates increasing, securing suitable and affordable housing after separation can be harder if plans are delayed. Acting early can provide more time to explore options or seek mortgage advice.
   
   
4. Potential for Larger Costs Later: When conflict builds over time, separating later can become more contentious and therefore more expensive. Early advice can help set clear expectations and avoid unnecessary disputes.

Seeking early legal advice can help you understand your position clearly, even if you’re not ready to proceed immediately, so that you can plan ahead with confidence.

Fixed-Fee Divorce and Separation Advice During the Cost of Living Crisis

At Thornton Jones Solicitors, we believe that everyone deserves access to clear, supportive legal advice. Our fixed-fee initial appointments are designed to help you understand your rights, responsibilities, and options without feeling burdened by uncertainty over costs.

During your appointment, we can help you:

1. Understand the likely financial implications of Divorce & Separation.
   
   
2. Explore options such as mediation or collaborative law, which can be more cost-effective.
   
   
3. Plan for housing, child arrangements, and long-term financial security.
   
   
4. Make informed decisions that support your wellbeing and future stability.

Speaking to a solicitor does not mean you must proceed with a divorce, it’s simply the first step towards understanding your options. Knowledge brings confidence, and even preliminary advice can make a difficult situation feel more manageable.

Call us today to speak with our Divorce and Separation Lawyers

To book a fixed-fee appointment or to find out how we can support you, contact Thornton Jones Solicitors today on 01924 290 029. Our experienced family law team is here to provide clear, practical advice and help you take the next step with confidence, at a pace that feels right for you.

Divorce and Separation FAQs

The content of this blog post is for information only and does not constitute formal legal advice and should not be relied upon as advice. Thornton Jones Solicitors Limited accepts no liability for any such reliance upon this content. Where the post includes links to external websites, Thornton Jones Solicitors Limited accepts no responsibility for the content of such sites. Any link to a third-party website should not be construed as endorsement by Thornton Jones Solicitors Limited of any content, products or services which are outside our direct control.

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