JANUARY often sees an increase in relationship breakdowns which then lead to divorce.

"Relationships breakdown all the time but there is always a peak in the early part of a new year after the pressures and financial burdens of the Christmas festivities," said Baldish Kahatkar, partner responsible for the family department at Bromsgrove law firm Young & Lee. "This is often fuelled by too much drink, resulting in more demand for legal advice and injunctions as a result of domestic violence."

The practice has doubled the number of solicitors in its family law team ahead of the relationship failures that will inevitably follow too much merriment and office parties.

"Pre-nuptial and co-habitation agreements are not unromantic but should be seen as sensible future financial planning," added Mr Kahatkar.

Meanwhile, Worcester-based Harrison Clark LLP is organising a series of family law clinics to help couples sort out their seasonal blues.

They will be held at its offices at 5 College Yard on Monday evenings between 5pm and 7pm on January 8, 15, 22 and 29.