An article on the BBC website yesterday confirmed that according to research by the Office for National Statistics the numbers of divorcing couples in England and Wales had risen for the first time since 2003.
There were 119,589 divorces in 2010 compared with 113,949 in 2009. The divorce rate was highest among those aged between 40 and 44 and half of couples had at least one child under 16 living in their household.
The ONS was of the view that this may be due to increased pressure on families as a result of the tough economic climate. They noted that a similar trend could be seen during the last recession in the early 1990s.
At Higgins Miller we have seen a great many clients seeking divorces in circumstances where relationships have suffered as a result of financial difficulties in recent months. We are a firm of family solicitors in Stockport and we are able to offer specialised advice in relation to divorces as well as helping clients to reach settlements regarding their matrimonial finances and children.
Because we recognise that times are tough financially we now offer a fixed fee divorce to assist our clients who are not eligible for Legal Aid. We have found that clients have found it reassuring to know at the outset how much the divorce will cost rather than worrying about mounting solicitor’s bills.
If you need straightforward simple family law advice in Stockport or the surrounding areas then please feel free to contact us to arrange an appointment with one of our specialist solicitors.
Divorce and Civil Partnership Dissolution At Higgins Miller we understand that a breakdown of a relationship can be a very traumatic time and we are committed to making the process of divorce or civil partnership dissolution as straightforward and stress-free as possible without incurring necessary costs. 
Financial Disputes Following the breakdown of any relationship we are able to offer advice with regard to how to resolve financial disputes. The law in this area is different in relation to married and unmarried couples and we are able to offer advice in both situations. 
Children Disputes When parents separate there can often be differences of opinion as to who children should live with and how much time they should spend with each of their parents. There are also often difficulties in relation to agreeing what decisions should be made for those children, for example which school a child should attend. 
Social Services and Care Proceedings We understand that when social services become involved in a family’s life it can be extremely stressful for parents and children alike. We aim to offer sensitive and useful advice at all stages of social services involvement with children and families both in and out of court proceedings. 
Protection from Domestic Abuse At Higgins Miller we are aware that there are people who are subjected to violence in their own homes on an all-too regular basis. We are able to assist victims of domestic abuse in quickly obtaining the protection that they need from their partners or ex-partners. 
Adoption At Higgins Miller we are able to assist in relation to all kinds of adoption case including step parent adoption, international adoption or adoption from care we will be able to offer advice on the best course of action for your individual circumstances. 
Pre-Nuptial Agreements and Cohabitation Agreements Pre-nuptial agreements are a fast changing and developing area of law and the courts are becoming more and more willing to recognise them when resolving divorce settlements. 
Legal Aid and Funding your Case At Higgins Miller we are authorised by the Legal Services Commission to provide advice under the Legal Aid scheme in relation to all areas of family law and subject to eligibility criteria.