Getting a divorce is a huge decision at any time of year. The stakes become even higher when children are involved.
Studies indicate that there’s often a spike in divorce filings in January. In fact, January has been labeled as “divorce month”.
Why do so many leave it until after the holidays?
The end of the year can be hectic. Thanksgiving comes at the end of November and then it’s straight onto the run-up to Christmas. While this is an exciting time, there’s also a lot going on.
Family and friends may be visiting throughout this period and couples usually want to put on a brave face. Amongst all this busyness, the last thing on a spouse’s mind may be filing for divorce.
Divorce is an expense
All divorces have certain financial costs. Not only will there be property division to deal with, but there will also be legal fees and other expenses. December can be an expensive month for families, with gifts to get for the children and loved ones.
The financial cost of divorce is something that many people just aren’t willing to take on until the new year.
A clean slate
The new year is often associated with new beginnings and resolutions. People like to think of January the first as being the first day of the rest of their lives. Divorce may be part of a resolution to prioritize one’s own physical and mental well-being. The psychological pull of starting afresh on the first day of the new year can be powerful.
At the end of the day, when to file for divorce is ultimately up to you. However, it’s not necessarily something you want to put off. You should have access to as much information as possible before taking any concrete steps.