Emma Collins, head of family law at Mace & Jones in King Street, said marital disputes had reached an all-time high over the Christmas and New Year holiday.

"The stress of being together for long, concentrated periods of time can often put a strain on the relationship," she said.

"And people don't come to us unless it is the end of the road."

Mace & Jones have witnessed a 50% rise in matrimonial cases this month compared to other months of the year.

Other solicitors have noticed an increase too.

"There is a definite up-turn traditionally at this time of year," said Louise Richardson, family law solicitor at Hague Lambert.

"People spend a lot more time together which will often reinforce decisions that, really, they had already made.

"I don't suppose many people want to break the bad news before Christmas."

"The peaceful and traditional family atmosphere is not shared by all families," said Tina Dunn, a solicitor at Mace & Jones.

Miss Collins, who has practised family law for eight years, was keen to stress, however, that they are paid for issues of law.

"We're lawyers not counsellors but inevitably we advise clients on the best way forward for the children - which can often be simple common sense," she said.