ALTHOUGH New Year is meant to be full of fun and merriment, many people find it a stressful time for their relationships.

Research by the Family Mediation Helpline recently revealed that almost a quarter of the population know of someone who has split up at New Year and around 1.8million couples feared Christmas may be the last straw for their relationships.

The Family Mediation Helpline sees a surge in calls every January from people who have decided to split with their partners and want to resolve disputes about finances, property and child-care without battling it out in court.

Separating from a partner is painful for adults and children alike. If you have split from your partner and want to start the year on the right foot, then call the Family Mediation Helpline on 0845 60 26 627 to find out about options for agreeing those decisions.

Breaking up will always be difficult, but if anyone has decided that their New Year's resolution is to separate from their partner, then they need to make sure that they do it in the right way, otherwise they might find themselves in for some frosty feuding.

DEBORAH TURNER, Family Mediation Council.