I’ve been handling divorce cases for many years now so an article I read recently in Marketwatch didn’t surprise me. The article, Why January is a Popular Month to File for Divorce, reported that there is a surge of divorce filings on the first Monday of the year and that surge continues for the rest of the month.
We have found that to be true in our practice as well, with the trend carrying beyond the month of January. Typically, half of the divorces in which we are involved are filed in the first quarter of a calendar year.
The reasons behind the surge of divorces in January stem from not only long-term problems but problems that have arisen during the holiday season as well.
Not surprisingly, couples suffering from longer-term problems make up the majority of those that file for divorce in the first quarter. An unhappy husband or wife is often reluctant to create a life-altering change during the revered holiday season. They don’t want to upset the apple cart on Christmas.
However, in January, holiday cheerfulness fades away like the last bubbles of the New Year’s Day Champagne. The start of a new year signals a time of renewal and sets the scene for a happier and healthier you, which can often include ending an unhealthy relationship. People generally have a strong desire to make a fresh start for the new year.
Many times, the holiday season itself creates an environment that leads a spouse to say – “I’ve had enough.” There is a lot of pressure to have a wonderful holiday season but it’s often a time when couples fight. One spouse may abuse alcohol. There can be disappointments over gifts received, disagreements with in-laws, and fights over chores. The holidays aren’t always merry and bright. That disappointment and frustration can lead to thoughts of divorce.
The holidays can be filled with stress and spending longer than normal hours with family can highlight problems with which a spouse had been willing to deal before those problems were exacerbated by those holidays.
Finally, you should remember there is no season or time of year that is the perfect time to file for divorce. It is a hard decision, and while I hope you haven’t found yourself in this painful situation, we are here to make it as painless as possible. If you are in need of legal representation due to divorce, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation as to how we can assist you every step of the way.
