London, Jan 3 : After a dysfunctional family Christmas most UK couples are heading towards divorce, and the most likely date to witness the highest number of petitions filed is January 20, according to lawyers.

According to the experts, more people file for divorce in January than at any other time of the year because they decide to take action after a `not-so-good family Christmas.

"January is the month when you tend to see an increase in the number of couples deciding to separate," the Telegraph quoted Tanya Roberts, partner at law firm Charles Russell as saying.

"Having gritted their teeth over Christmas and the New Year, and finally got the children settled into school, they call in a divorce lawyer.

"It''s ultimately speculation, of course, but the word on the street is that January 20 will be the busiest day this year for divorce applications," she added.

The study conducted by law firm comparison website Takelegaladvice. com revealed that divorce-related matters are up 30 per cent over the festive period compared to last year.

"It is a combination of Christmas and the credit crisis. These issues are putting pressure on relationships and are pushing couples to seek help," said Mary Heaney, of Takelegaladvice. com. (ANI)