A family law firm is to introduce a special hotline over the festive period to help couples who are desperate for professional advice on marital disputes during the holiday season.

WITH the Christmas and New Year period being a peak time for people to consider possible separation and divorce, expert solicitors from Edinburgh-based Gibson Kerr are offering to be on hand to take urgent enquiries.

Gibson Kerr believes the service will be invaluable as the majority of legal firms shut down for the festive holidays – meaning any issues between couples in conflict cannot be resolved until well into the New Year.

But Partner Fiona Rasmusen, who heads the Gibson Kerr Family Law division, said their hotline could also actually help couples to see the ‘goodwill to all’ message and prevent a marriage or relationship from totally deteriorating.

Fiona said: “Unfortunately, more divorces are triggered over the festive period than at any other time of the year.

“Sadly, rather than being a time of happiness, many people find the stress and demands of the Christmas and New Year holidays puts their relationships under enormous strain and this often leads them to breaking point.

“Issues such as money or family conflicts, or perhaps a misdemeanour at the office party, are often the main causes of marital disputes at this time of year. Emotions can run high which in turn sees people beginning to consider separation or divorce proceedings.

“However, as many legal firms are on a shut down over the holidays, these people don’t have the usual access to the kind of professional advice they need. By the time their solicitor opens for business again in January, their relationship may have deteriorated further.

“Not being able to speak to a lawyer for several days can be very difficult for all parties concerned, so the hotline allows people to make contact with us – even if this is Christmas Day.

“In some cases, being able to speak with a solicitor without delay can actually help to prevent a couple starting formal proceedings. We try to offer the kind of constructive help that can perhaps diffuse a difficult situation, rather than letting partners emotions run high or allowing resentment to fester over the holidays.

“Of course, if it transpires that divorce is the only option, then we can provide appropriate legal advice and support about how to start this process. By being on standby to respond to calls over the festive period, we can make sure that ensure that the process is as quick and painless as possible.”

One survey carried out over the last festive period revealed that one in five married couples were considering separating from their partners after being together over the holidays.

Callers to the Gibson Kerr hotline – 0131 208 2260 – will receive a response on the same day from one of the firm’s expert family law advisors.

Gibson Kerr, based in India Street, was formed in early 1980s, although the business originally dates back to 1940s. The firm specialises in Personal Law, Family Law and Property.

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