University milestone emerging as one of biggest annual spikes for divorce enquiries

The start of the university year is emerging as one of the annual spikes in divorce enquiries, alongside what is widely reported as the traditional January peak, according to family lawyers at Irwin Mitchell.

The national law firm says enquiries rose during September and early October and are following the same pattern seen last autumn, reinforcing early autumn as a key point in the year for people seeking advice about separation.

Lawyers say university is rarely the cause of a relationship ending. Instead, it can act as a catalyst for parents who have already put concerns to one side while their children completed school, exams and other important stages of their education.

Once a child leaves for university, the change in day-to-day family life can give couples the space to confront difficulties that may have existed for years and consider what they want from the next stage of their lives.

Clare Wiseman, National Head of Family Law at Irwin Mitchell, said:

 

“The start of the university year is emerging as an annual spike in divorce enquiries, alongside January. The pattern we are seeing in early autumn is becoming increasingly pronounced.

 

“This does not mean university causes relationships to break down. More often, it is the point if at which parents feel able to act on issues that have been present for some time. Many have consciously delayed deciding while their children completed school and exams because they wanted to minimise disruption during those important years.

 

“When children settle into university, the household changes quickly. Couples may have more time together and fewer immediate demands to distract from the relationship. That can bring long-standing differences into sharper focus and prompt honest conversations about whether they want the next chapter to look different.

 

“For people in their late forties, fifties or beyond, there may also be a growing sense that they still have a substantial part of their lives ahead of them. The university milestone can therefore become a natural moment to reassess what they want from the future.

 

“Separation at this stage can still be financially complex. Parents may be supporting children through university while also considering pensions, property and retirement plans, so the timing and structure of any settlement require careful thought.

 

“Seeking advice early can help people understand their options, avoid rushed decisions and plan for the future with greater clarity.”