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Delays in divorce proceedings due to disputes over loyalty points
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In addition to disputes over the division of property, cars, pensions or the family pet, divorcing couples are now arguing over who is going to get their supermarket loyalty points and who will keep the Air Miles.
According to the Head of Family Law at Derby law firm Flint Bishop, recent research has revealed that divorces are increasingly being delayed by on-going disputes over supermarket and airline loyalty points as the recession continues its reign over the nation’s pockets:
“Recent research carried out amongst divorcing couples suggests that arguments about how to split loyalty points are often considered ‘deal-breakers’, which can cause friction between couples who have otherwise reached an amicable agreement when settling their finances.
“The loyalty card has become a vital part of weathering the recession over the past two years – and with inflation stretching the cost of running a household to breaking point, many families are relying heavily on the benefits of loyalty schemes to make ends meet.
“There are around 27m loyalty cards in the UK and with soaring inflation and the largest rise in debt levels for nine months, many households are accumulating large expenditures through such schemes, like buying holidays through Air Miles travel companies.
“Statistics show there are more than 30m Nectar or Tesco Clubcard members in the UK, whilst more than 120m people worldwide are thought to be part of frequent flyer programmes operated by leading airlines.
“Traditionally, divorce settlements have been calculated based on what someone will lose out on as a result of not being married, such as pensions or health insurance. Now, people are realising the value of points accrued through loyalty schemes too.
“Over the last few years loyalty cards have really stepped up their game – not only adding more points for the various levels of shopping, but offering additional incentives too – in the form of money-off coupons on fuel, regular product purchases and family days out.
“They have become highly sophisticated in their approach to maintain regular customers by recognising how often a product is purchased and then offering a discount coupon the week before, or discounting the shop brand alternative on regularly bought brand items.
“Boots and Sainsbury’s have two of the most widely recognised loyalty schemes, whilst group loyalty programmes like Nectar are affiliated with numerous retailers, which makes for great choice as well as significant savings.
“In some cases, so many points have been racked up that a family holiday can be purchased.
“When you consider that families spend thousands of pounds a year on their weekly groceries as well as holidays and other incidentals, it is perhaps no wonder that separating spouses are demanding a split of the points or money in lieu to counter balance.”
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