Warning signs you could be headed for a 'new-year divorce'

A new year is the perfect time for new beginnings, but what if this change means your relationship is going to end?

Research from Saltus in 2024 revealed that online searches related to ending a marriage tend to surge over the festive period.

It found that searches on Google for the terms, ‘I want a divorce’ and ‘cheap divorce’ rose significantly between December and January.

Similarly, ‘DIY divorce’ peaked on New Year’s Day, and ‘quickie divorce’ peaked on New Year’s Eve.

A surprise divorce is something that can knock a person off balance, because when you don’t expect it, nothing can prepare you for the announcement.

However, thanks to an expert, you can now determine if your other half is considering a divorce in 2026.

How do you know if they want a divorce? (Getty Stock Images)

Keep an eye out for behavioural changes

Grant Stephens, Family Solicitor and Managing Director at Grant Stephens Family Law, has given his say on the main things you can look out for around Christmas and New Year to see if divorce is in the cards for you.

According to the expert, it might all begin with some behavioural changes around the holidays before the divorce is requested.

He told Tyla: “Within Family Law, we often see a surge in divorce enquiries around January. For many people, the lead-up to the festive season becomes a period of reflection, and if their relationship has been going through a difficult patch for a longer period of time, they may decide that the New Year is the perfect time for a change.”

He shared that these ‘small yet noticeable’ signs can feel like something is off, and you might not be overthinking it if you believe they are acting differently.

Whether it’s an emotional withdrawal, or them acting secretive or having an ‘unusual interest in finances’, changes can signify their want to move on from the relationship.

“Recognising these patterns early can prepare individuals for what’s about to come, and allow them to access support, emotionally and practically,” he added.

Are the more interested in your finances? They might want to separate them (Getty Stock Images)

Increased secrecy

He explained that if your partner is more guarded with their phone or device, it could be due to them confiding in others about their feelings, searching up legal terms or other things.

New interests in finances

He went on to say that if they are opening up new bank accounts or asking questions about your joint finances, they might be planning on a financial separation.

Withdrawing from future plans

If they seem suddenly uninterested in spending Christmas with you, booking trips for next year or planning things, they might have stopped seeing a future together.

Emotional distance

Are they detached? Maybe they’re picking fights, getting more irritated with you, or have a ‘checked-out’ vibe.

Sudden independence

“If your partner has all of a sudden found a new hobby or interest, such as reconnecting with old friends, or becoming more focused on their own routines, this could be an indicator that they’re planning a life of their own,” Stephens added.

Obviously, it might not be them wanting a divorce, but the signs can be a sign that you need to open up a conversation about your relationship, their feelings, and get to the bottom of this change.