More Shropshire couples are contemplating divorce as their relationships reach breaking point because of mounting pressures caused by the recession, a county law firm said today.

Robert Adams, for Hatchers, said inquiries about divorce in Shropshire are up 15 per cent on this time last year, with the summer holidays bringing crunch time in households across the county.

Experts at the firm, which has offices in Shrewsbury and Whitchurch, recommend that couples going through a divorce should follow the lead of celebrities such as Katie Price and Peter Andre by seeking expert legal advice to achieve the best possible outcome for both parties.

Mr Adams said that while the pair’s bitter breakdown has been chronicled in minute detail through the tabloid press, their legal fight could leave them both with security.

“Katie and Peter may have made many of us cringe over the years but their divorce could go through without much drama,” he said.

Stressful

“Divorce is stressful, the legalities can be complicated and emotions can cloud reasoning, so it is important to consult an expert from the outset to receive objective advice from someone who will steer you clear of the legal pitfalls and safeguard your interests.”

His advice comes as many couples are reaching breaking point.

Mr Adams said: “Christmas is generally seen to be the biggest friction point, but the other main one is the summer holidays as lots of families are thrown together for weeks on end.

“We have noticed a big spike in our inquiries about divorce – up more than 15 per cent year-on-year – with the financial downturn and the summer key factors.”

Hatchers says that getting a solicitor on side doesn’t automatically signal the beginning of a journey towards a court hearing.

A solicitor will explain the other options available, such as mediation, or collaborative family law, designed to help people resolve issues following family breakdown in a calm and constructive manner away from court.

The advice comes as the Law Society has launched an information campaign to make consumers in England and Wales aware of how solicitors can help them solve a wide range of problems.

By Russell Roberts