It’s no secret that the holidays are a stressful time. Between making sure the kids have the latest whatchamacallit, praying for a big enough Christmas bonus and spending time with the in-laws, you’re lucky to make it out of December in one piece. But when you’re stuck in an already troubled marriage, what happens when the tree comes down and the decorations are packed away? Is it time to pack away your marriage, as well?
According to eDivorcePapers.com, statistics prove what has long been held to be true among divorce professionals – January remains the biggest month for divorce filings. Whether wanting to keep the holidays special, start the year off fresh or simply make the best financial choice, many clients make finding an Ohio family law attorney their New Year’s Resolution.
Between financial and family stresses during the end of the year, this season can often be the tipping point for already strained marriages. Many clients are struggling with their relationship long before the holidays, but when kids are involved they commit to giving them one last memory as a family before filing.
Cathy Meyer, the founder of DivorcedWomenOnline.com, tells the Huffington Post that dejected spouses begin searching for information on divorce immediately after the holidays, adding that she sees a huge increase in page views and searches the day after Christmas. The website FindLaw.com also found that web searches for divorce and divorce-related terms rise by 50 percent in January.
A new year is traditionally a time for introspection and change. As despondent spouses reflect on the previous 12 months they often ask, “Can I do this for another year?” Assessing the situation in the context of a calendar year can often put things into perspective – for better or for worse.
Besides the emotionally driven catalysts, there are also more pragmatic reasons to file in January. Your marital status as of December 31 determines whether you will file individual or joint tax returns for the previous year, and a change in your status can have a major impact on your tax burden. To that end, some couples put off divorce because they can’t afford it until the next fiscal year.
In an effort to pin down a true “D-Day,” the Huffington Posts reports that Legal Services Commission claims that “the first Monday after the kids return to school” boasts the most divorce filings, while the Telegraph purports that “the start of the first full working week after the holidays” is the year’s most popular day for divorce.
No matter what the numbers show, the best time to split can’t be assigned a date. Making a life-changing decision like divorce is a personal matter which couples must wrestle with year round, not just when the calendar changes. If you’re considering a divorce, contact Jay of at Babbitt & Dahlberg to schedule a consultation today.
