Every year, family law professionals across Australia see a familiar pattern emerge: a sharp increase in enquiries about separation and divorce in January. Often referred to as the January divorce surge, this trend reflects the intense pressure many couples experience during and immediately after the holiday period.
Recent media coverage including commentary from our Founder and Executive Director, Rose Cocchiaro, has gone national, and highlighted why the December–January period places such significant strain on relationships. While many separations appear to happen suddenly after Christmas, the reality is that this time of year often brings long-standing issues to a head rather than creating new ones.
Understanding why relationship breakdowns after Christmas are so common can help couples make sense of what they’re experiencing and take steps to protect themselves and their families.
Why the holiday period puts relationships under strain
The weeks spanning December and January create a unique convergence of financial, emotional and practical pressures.
Financial stress is often the most immediate. Christmas spending, holidays and social obligations are quickly followed by back-to-school costs and the realities of a new year. Against the backdrop of rising living expenses, the cost of living has become a significant source of tension for many couples. While money issues alone rarely cause separation, they frequently act as a catalyst for deeper conflict.
Emotional expectations also run high. The festive season is widely portrayed as a time of happiness and connection. When relationships fall short of that ideal, feelings of disappointment, resentment or emotional exhaustion can intensify. For couples already experiencing strain, this contrast can be particularly confronting.
Increased time together can further amplify problems. Extended leave from work, school holidays and disrupted routines mean couples often spend more time together than usual without the everyday distractions that might otherwise soften conflict. As a result, unresolved issues can quickly escalate.
Finally, reduced access to support during the holiday shutdown period can leave couples feeling stuck. With many professional services unavailable until January, problems can compound until separation begins to feel inevitable.
Why separations announced in January often seem sudden
When couples separate early in the year, it’s often described publicly as unexpected. In practice, very few separations occur without warning.
This perception has been reinforced by recent high-profile separations, including that of Brisbane Lions captain Lachie Neale. Announcements involving public figures can give the impression of abrupt decisions, particularly when they occur around the late December to early January period. However, separation after the holidays is rarely impulsive, it is more often the outcome of prolonged stress, discussion and emotional fatigue.
These stories resonate because they underline a broader reality: relationship breakdown does not discriminate. Financial security, professional success or public profile do not shield couples from the pressures that build during the holiday season.
Cost of living pressures and relationship breakdown
The connection between cost of living stress and divorce is increasingly evident. While financial strain is not usually the sole cause of separation, it can significantly intensify existing issues such as communication breakdown, unequal responsibilities or conflicting priorities.
December and January are particularly challenging because financial pressure coincides with emotional and logistical demands. For many couples, this combination pushes already-fragile relationships beyond a sustainable point.
What to do if your relationship is under pressure after Christmas
If you’re experiencing relationship stress or considering separation after the holidays, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. The January divorce surge reflects a nationwide pattern, not personal failure.
Seeking family law advice early can help you:
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Understand your legal options
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Reduce conflict and uncertainty
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Make informed decisions that prioritise children’s wellbeing
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Plan next steps calmly rather than reactively
Early guidance, even before a final decision is made, can significantly reduce emotional and financial strain.
Moving forward with clarity and support
December and January place extraordinary pressure on relationships, often exposing issues that have been quietly building throughout the year. Recognising this pattern can help families approach the situation with greater clarity and compassion.
If this time of year has prompted difficult conversations or decisions, professional support can make a meaningful difference. Thoughtful advice early on can help protect what matters most and set a more stable foundation for the future.
If you’d like to speak with our team about the next steps in your journey, book a free 15-minute call by clicking here.