A LAW firm is expecting a sharp increase in divorce inquiries now that the Christmas and New Year festivities have come to an end.

Experts at Thursfields Solicitors, which has offices in Halesowen and Sedgley, are preparing sensitive advice as more than 40,500 people are predicted to search divorce online this month alone, according to the divorce support service Amicable.

A notable peak during the first month of the year is also evident in Google Trends data which shows January 2016 and January 2012 as the two most popular months for divorce searches in the last decade.

Charlotte Perry, who works in the family division at Thursfields Solicitors, said: “The New Year signifies a new start, new beginnings and provides us with time to assess our current and future goals and ambitions.

“For some, the New Year provides an opportunity to reflect on existing relationships and make decisions about the future, and so it’s not surprising that divorce enquiries increase in the weeks following the Christmas break.

“This is often the result of issues that have been building for some time but that are typically put on hold during the months prior to Christmas because of family time, financial pressures and time restraints.

“For anyone facing such New Year dilemmas, the next step is to seek advice from a friendly family solicitor, and that’s where our experts can be helpful.”

Charlotte explained that following an initial consultation meeting at Thursfields, an expert solicitor will consider a client’s unique situation and provide them with clear, concise advice and options.

She said the company offers a competitive fixed fee for advising and assisting clients through a separation, divorce or dissolution procedure, providing transparent estimates for any other work required.

Charlotte added: “At Thursfields, we understand that family matters can be extremely complicated, diverse and there are often sensitive issues surrounding relationships, children and finances to be considered.

“We believe that separation, divorce or dissolution doesn’t need to be acrimonious or costly and we provide tailored advice to each of our clients whatever their legal needs.

“While we are sensitive enough to understand that divorce is emotionally challenging, we believe that we can help you to ultimately see separation as the possibility for a new start and a happier future.”