January: The month of fresh starts, gym memberships, and kale smoothies. It’s also, somewhat less romantically, the month when family lawyers across Scotland brace themselves for what is sometimes referred to in the trade as “Divorce Season.”

While the rest of the country is nursing Hogmanay hangovers and wondering if they can survive another week without carbs, Scottish family solicitors are fielding calls from couples who’ve decided that “Auld Lang Syne” should apply to their relationship as well.

It’s easy to joke about this pattern of separation over Christmas or in the new year, but for the people involved, this is a deeply emotional time. No one enters a relationship or marriage expecting to end up in a solicitor’s office. The McKinstry Company understand this and we have a genuine commitment to helping clients navigate one of life’s toughest transitions with dignity and care.

The goal isn’t just to “win” a case—it’s to find solutions that work for everyone, especially when children are involved. So while the phones may be ringing, the tone in the office is far from callous. It’s compassionate and practical, and we are very aware that a relationship ending can be one of the most difficult things you will go through in your life.

Why January?

We’ve never been quite sure. Maybe there’s something about the festive period that magnifies cracks in a relationship. Perhaps it’s the pressure to have the “perfect Christmas,” or the fact that you’ve spent two solid weeks trapped indoors with someone who chews loudly and insists on watching Die Hard for the fifth time. Add in the financial strain of presents or the stress of family visits and the thought of facing another year together is maybe just too much.

Couples often try to “get through Christmas for the kids” or just see the new year as a chance for a fresh start or a clean break.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “that sounds like me,” well you’re not alone, and you’re not doomed to a bitter courtroom battle. Scottish family law has evolved to prioritise fairness and cooperation. Whether it’s amicable separation agreements or collaborative divorce processes, there are options that avoid turning January into a legal bloodbath.

What happens?

We can help with all situations. The separation may have happened where you have been married or maybe you were just living together. There may be children involved, or urgent financial matters to be addressed.

If you fill in some information here then we will call you (or email you if you prefer) for a free, no obligation chat about your situation and where we might be able to help. You can put is as much or as little information as you like – you do not have to fill in everything that is asked for.

You can call the office too, or make an appointment to come in for a meeting if you would prefer.

New Year, New Chapter

January may be the busiest month for family lawyers, but it’s also a time of hope. For many, separation isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of a healthier, happier life. If you find yourself in need of legal advice this New Year, please do contact us. 

We prioritise our clients’ needs, understanding the importance of their personal, family, and business affairs. Our commitment to our clients is why we are known as a “Law Firm for Life.”

For more information, please contact Colin Duck on 01292 281711 or colin@mckinstry.co.uk