The divorce process can take more than a year to complete in many cases. Even those who settle their divorces privately have to wait for the courts to hear and finalize their cases. There are certain trends regarding divorce filings that become obvious to those in the family law sector.
Some attorneys refer to January as “divorce month.” This term comes from a noticeable increase in the number of people seeking initial consultations regarding divorce. The beginning of the new year often prompts many people to start the divorce process, even though an actual divorce filing could be months away.
Why are divorce consultations so common in January?
1. The holidays didn’t lead to reconnection
Many people look forward to the holidays as an opportunity to spend time with their children and spouses. Holiday traditions and time off work can help people reconnect after a difficult time. However, not all families have positive experiences during the holiday season.
If the holidays felt disappointing due to lackluster gift-giving or one person’s minimal involvement with the family, disappointment could lead to a divorce filing. The holiday season can also highlight an imbalance in how these spouses share parental responsibilities or family obligations. One person managing too much of the household on their own may decide that divorce could reduce demands on their time.
2. People worry about the last holiday season as a family
For those with children, divorce may not seem like an option once the school year starts in earnest. The need to provide for the children and the looming holidays can inspire people to wait to file for divorce.
They do not want to negatively impact what could be the last holiday season the family spends together. Many people make the conscious decision to wait until after the holidays to begin actively working toward divorce.
3. The desire to end a negative cycle
The new year frequently inspires people to start making positive changes in their lives or to stop making the same mistakes that negatively impact their happiness or mental health. Those trying to evaluate their circumstances sometimes reach the conclusion that their spouses are a negative presence in their lives rather than a source of help and positivity.
People in need of insight regarding property division, parenting matters and the overall divorce process can benefit from getting legal guidance as early as possible.