A report published at the beginning of August has revealed that 78% of the UK population now own a smartphone in comparison with just 17% in 2008. On average we are checking our phones every 12 minutes and using them within five minutes of waking up.

Whilst use of our smartphones can have many benefits, it may be also be placing a strain on personal and family life. The report refers to high usage of phones during family mealtimes.

Using our phones may be restricting the interaction we have with our spouses or partners and this in turn may have a negative effect upon levels of communication.

A breakdown in communication is commonly cited as one of the reasons for the breakdown of relationships.

Clearly there are many benefits to the use of smartphones and for many their accessibility to the internet as well as their many functions and apps can often make life much easier and help to relieve stress and the demands of day to day life.

However, it is easy to see how their use can be placing strains on marriages and relationships.

If you would like any further information in respect of separation or divorce please contact our Family Law Solicitors Alex Mansfield in our Wolverhampton office on 01902 328365 or by email to AMansfield@georgegreen.co.uk or Rachel Baker in our Cradley Heath office on 01384 384580 or by email to rbaker@georgegreen.co.uk.