As the haze of summer begins to lift, and the September back-to-school feeling raises its head once again, many couples are facing a more sobering seasonal reality: the autumn spike in divorce filings. Among high-net-worth individuals, the end of the summer holidays often marks not just the return to routine but the start of separation proceedings.

Top family lawyers across London confirm that September is one of the busiest times of the year for new divorce enquiries. Behind the statistics, of course, lie personal stories, months of contemplation, and, increasingly, a desire to approach separation with clarity and discretion. If you’re considering beginning the post-holiday divorce process, here’s everything you need to know.

Why high-net-worth couples divorce after summer

“For people who are unhappy in their marriage, the long summer holidays give them time to think about what they want for their future,” says Antonia Mee, partner at Burgess Mee. “It is natural to think of the start of the autumn term as a time to put plans for separation into action. Children will be back at school and there is time to consult solicitors, attend mediation and complete documentation.”

Kelly Edwards, managing partner at Edwards Family Law, echoes this sentiment. “We tend to see an increase after any long holiday, but mostly after the summer,” she explains. “A lot of people will want to wait until the summer holidays are over, either because the pressure of getting divorced with everyone at home can be too much, or in the hope that things might improve over the holidays. The pressure of a holiday in an already strained relationship can often give people the nudge they need.”

It’s a pattern of reflection and realisation: couples who might have hoped for a ‘reset’ during their getaway find the opposite. Rather than bonding, the absence of distractions and greater close proximity highlight emotional distances that can no longer be bridged.

Preparing to protect yourself financially

The decision to divorce is both hugely pivotal and consequential. For high-net-worth individuals, financial planning in advance of formal proceedings is not just wise but essential.

“Individuals can ensure that they have sufficient funds within their control to meet living expenses and other costs during the divorce process,” advises Mee. “If all the family money is held in joint accounts, they should consider splitting those funds into separate accounts held in sole names. This is so that they have enough money within their sole control and there is no risk that the money can be withdrawn by someone else, leaving them with not enough funds.”

However, Mee warns that this needs to be handled sensitively. “They should take advice from a solicitor before taking funds out of a joint account, though, as taking money from a joint account without prior notification can inadvertently start matters off on the wrong foot.”

It’s not just about access to funds, but also awareness. Edwards recommends a quiet but deliberate assessment of the family’s financial landscape. “Mostly, I would say that people need to understand what the assets are. If you have been in the dark about the financial position, pay a bit more attention,” she advises. “How a meal is being paid for, what is going on with a business, so that when you have that initial consultation, your legal team has an idea of the asset base and can guide you on the kinds of issues that might need to be worked through.”

Both experts emphasise the importance of not making informal agreements in the heat of the moment. “Never do a deal without getting some legal advice first,” says Edwards. “[So many] people agree to what they think is right and ‘fair’, but it is not the right answer, and then we have to delicately unpick it as best we can.”

Asset division, trusts and cross-border complexities

When divorces involve high-value estates, trust structures, and international property portfolios, expert legal guidance becomes even more critical.

“The best family lawyers will help the client to reach an agreement on asset division without going to court,” says Mee. “They will oversee the financial disclosure process and ensure that the client has a clear picture of the family finances. Letters can be written to trustees of trusts and portfolio managers to elicit the right information.”

A good legal team doesn’t just decode balance sheets; it also provides a roadmap. “As family lawyers, our role is really to work out what the assets are, where they have come from and how they should be divided,” says Edwards. “There are a whole range of factors that are taken into account and every case is different.”

According to Mee, the approach must also be tailored to the individual: “Experienced family lawyers will have an instinct for what type of non-court dispute resolution is right for each case, whether it be mediation, solicitor negotiations or a private settlement process. Court proceedings should be a last resort.”

For clients who may be overseeing family businesses, managing private wealth or navigating tax liabilities across multiple jurisdictions, the right legal advice should anticipate these complexities. “Most clients aren’t going to know whether you need a pension expert or who to pick, but your legal team should and should fill you with confidence about the process,” says Edwards. “It is hard enough emotionally without having to second-guess things.”

Protecting children during high-profile separations

In the midst of financial planning and legal discussions, it is easy to lose sight of those most vulnerable: the children. The emotional impact of divorce on children, particularly in high-conflict or high-profile separations, must be front of mind for both parents.

“Parents should keep in mind that witnessing conflict between parents is extremely damaging to children,” says Mee. “Children can usually adapt to their parents’ separation if they know that their parents are working together to co-parent with their children’s best interests at heart and that they have a safe and secure home with both parents.”

Edwards agrees, emphasising the importance of playing the long game. “Remember that you are going to be your child’s parents, with your ex, for the rest of their lives,” she says. “As much as someone might be a difficult person to live with, try and keep your children at the forefront of your mind. Think about those graduations, weddings, that you will want to be able to attend together.”

For families facing particular difficulties, professional help is readily available. “If your children are struggling with the separation, I would recommend a child therapist or family therapy to help them communicate how they are feeling,” Mee adds. “There are lots of resources out there but also consider a parenting course that you can either do on your own or together.”

Choosing the right legal team, prioritising transparency, protecting children, and preparing financially can transform the divorce process from combative to constructive. “Your family lawyer should be able to break down the process for you and take some of the decision-making and headaches away,” says Edwards. “A great family lawyer will know fairly quickly what issues are relevant in your scenario.”

In the end, whether catalysed by a tense summer holiday or a slow emotional drift, the decision to part ways deserves careful planning. Divorce is rarely easy but with the right guidance, it can perhaps be the beginning of something better.

Read more: The hidden costs of owning international property