One area which comes under stress during times of economic uncertainty is family life.

Relationships often crumble when the going gets tough, which can have major implications for family-run businesses, as well as married cohabiting couples.

Jane Cowley, Head of Family Law at Howes Percival in Leicester, said she had seen an upturn in business as people looked to protect assets.

“There’s tremendous growth. It’s busy, busy,” said Ms Cowley, who set up a Family Law division at Howes this month after moving from city firm Harvey Ingram.

Ms Cowley said the practice was attracting clients from London firms because it offered better value for money and service. “A lot of the inquiries we have had are from people looking for a viable alternative to London, which puts Leicester on the map,” she said.

“We are only an hour from London, which makes us attractive.”

Ms Cowley, who has worked in the sector for almost 20 years and represented some high-profile clients, said she had noticed a cultural shift in attitudes to family law recently. The difficult climate, combined with increasing cultural acceptance of divorce, has seen savvy clients wanting to ensure their legal position is secure before they enter into business ventures and relationships, instead of waiting until things get ugly.

She said “Changes always come out of difficult times. Relationship breakdown is no longer taboo. We have had high-profile divorces and separation in the media. People know they no longer have to continue to be unhappy in their relationship. People are no longer complacent. They are taking a more long-term view. I am seeing fewer people reacting to problems and fare more wishing to safeguard against problems cropping up in the future. People are being more commercial in terms of personal issues which is a good thing.”

Ms Cowley, who also Heads the Private Client division at Howes’ Leicester, Northampton and Milton Keynes offices, said “Family law is about so much more than divorce. Family law can be a very delicate matter for many people. We strive to provide the right support.” She said a lot of work involved family firms and disputes over finance and their ownership.