Number of break-ups rises on Valentine’s Day

LONDON - No more romance! Now Valentine’s Day could soon be observed as the day of divorce as a study suggests more number of couples part ways on Feb 14.

Instead of chocolates, roses and gifts, the most romantic day could be more about lawyers, papers and hatred as the number of couples filing for divorce Feb 14 has increased by around 40 percent in the last two years, the Daily Mail reported.

According to the New York Post, a data compiled by Awo.com - a site that offers free ratings and profiles for lawyers - showed that the rate has increased over the last two years.

“Over the past two years we’ve seen an average increase of 40 percent in the number of requests for divorce lawyers around Valentine’s Day, compared to the previous six months,” Mark Britton, founder and CEO of Awo was quoted as saying.

“Furthermore, the number of questions about divorce has soared 36 percent during that same time. Indeed, there’s definitely a major Valentine’s spike when it comes to divorce.”

Kelly Chang, a Los Angeles-based divorce lawyer, said she has seen an increase in divorce filings shortly after Valentine’s Day.

New Jersey lawyer Cary Cheifetz told the New York Post: “I see it as a combination of cabin fever, people waiting until after the holidays and most importantly, people waiting until they know what their spouse’s bonus and income situation will be in the New Year.”