Christmas and the New Year period can be a testing time for even the strongest of relationships.

Firstly, there's the stress and strain of the festive preparations and celebrations. Spending time with in-laws and other family can lead to squabbles.

If the consternation around the Christmas dinner table isn't confronted it can be one of the major causes of splits.

So maybe it's no surprise that January is regarded as the time of year when couples often kick-start divorce proceedings.

Liz Williams, head of family and matrimonial law at Eatons solicitors, Bradford, says traditionally there is an increase in enquiries relating to divorce or relationship breakdowns following the festive period.

She believes the reason why this time of year is so busy is that many people delay seeking a solution to their relationship problems so they don't spoil Christmas for their children.

"This seems to follow a traditional pattern year on year, with January invariably being one of the busiest times of the year for family lawyers," says Liz.

"Also, the New Year is a time for resolutions, and people who sometimes have been contemplating bringing a marriage or relationship to an end may feel that the New Year gives them an incentive to make a fresh start."

Liz says the reasons for seasonal splits are varied. "Sometimes problems that already exist within a relationship become more apparent over the Christmas break when people are often spending a longer period of time together than is often the case," she says.

"The financial pressures of Christmas and increased consumption of alcohol can sometimes highlight and exacerbate problems which were already there, but not as obvious."

She believes people's expectations also play a part. "People have expectations of Christmas as being a special family time and if those expectations are not met then people can feel particularly let down in their relationship," says Liz.

Relate, the UK's largest provider of relationship support in the UK, says it has already experienced a 50 per cent surge in calls over the festive season.

The organisation also attributes demand to pressures placed on couples and families at Christmas.

Fighting your way through shoppers, weeks of worrying about how much you've spent and frustrations associated with the festivities such as dividing time between families and coping with awkward relations are just some of the problems highlighted. Gill Midgley, one of the managers at Relate Bradford, says the end of January is their busiest time for dealing with the aftermath of the festivities.

Gill believes couples tend to put their problems on hold while dealing with other pressures associated with the celebrations. "Once the dust settles and the bills start coming in they start facing up to their problems and do something about it," says Gill.

Dealing with financial pressures and the stresses associated with everyday life means couples have little time to sit down and reflect on troubles within their relationship.

Divorce can seem inevitable, but talking to Gill in one of the comfortable sitting rooms where couples can chat freely and in confidence - something they often can't do at home - I discover it's not the only option.

Gill says 50 per cent of the couples who come to Relate Bradford seeking help are reconciled. Divorce is the last resort and emotional support is offered for those who choose to pursue that route.

"We estimate about 50 per cent of people who come to us are thinking of splitting up but they don't and are still together the year after they've been to Relate," says Gill.

She believes greater awareness has led to many people seeking help through organisations such as Relate. Notably, men are becoming the main instigators for seeking counselling.

"Certainly we are seeing more men initiate counselling and I think that is because of better awareness and that it's more acceptable. It's not seen as something men don't do, they are more in touch with their feelings," she explains.

Regardless of who instigates seeking the support, there is help out there. Gill tells me Relate provides support for the whole family, not just the couple.

"I don't think there is any relationship in the world that couldn't be improved but it is very difficult when you're in the middle of something to stand back and look at what is going wrong. Sometimes that is all it takes - to pause in this hectic life and have the time and space to do that," says Gill.

  • For more information call Relate Bradford on (01274) 726096 or e-mail appointments@relatebradford.com