Why is January the busiest month for divorce?

January 20, 2020

Going through a divorce right after the holidays can add extra stress to an already difficult time. However, this is the situation some people find themselves in. For one reason or another, January is one of the most popular months to file for divorce.

A study conducted by the University of Washington states that divorce numbers consistently increase in January compared to December and the months prior. One reason for this might be that couples are hoping the holidays will bring back a spark in their marriage. Waiting until January gives them additional time to work things out. When marital problems cannot be solved, these are three common reasons why people end their marriage after the holidays

• Wanting to start over:Some people want to start over with a clean slate when the calendar turns over. This can also mean starting over with their marriage.
• Letting the kids enjoy the holidays:Sometimes, spouses will wait for the holidays to be completely over before filing for a divorce. They probably want the children to enjoy the holidays without having to worry about their parents splitting up.
• Carefully managing their money:In marital property states, some spouses file for divorce in January so they can protect any bonus money they receive from their employer. Additionally, high-asset divorces are usually filed after New Year’s because of how time-consuming they can be.

If you are contemplating divorce or have already made the decision to file, getting in touch with a family law attorney can be helpful. They will understand the finer details of your situation and fight for you each step of the way.