January is the Start of Divorce Season

 Posted on January 31, 2014 in Divorce

The holidays can be stressful for everyone. The season is spent buying expensive presents, travelling in cold weather and spending time with family members. These stresses can further divide married couples who may have relationship problems throughout the whole year. But couples often stick together through the holidays even if their relationship has run its course.  That phenomenon has lead attorneys to call January "divorce month".

Research has also shown that January is the month to consider filing for divorce. An analysis by FindLaw.com has shown that between 2008 and 2011 there was an increase in divorce filings in the month of January. This increase sees an apex in the month of March and then tends back down through the rest of the year until September when it increases again.

The website also looked at search activity for their website and found a similar increase in the month of January. Phrases like "divorce", "family law" and "child custody" increased 50 percent from the month of December to the month of January. This increase peaked in the month of March. If people are not filing for divorce, they are at least considering the possibility.

There are a multitude of reasons why January sees such an increase in searches and filings. Some attorneys suppose that people do not want to seem cold to their family members and friends. Filing after the holidays can also be easier on any children from the marriage. Parents might convince themselves that their children deserve to have one last family holiday.

Another reason that people wait is the possible financial benefits. At the end of the year, businesses give out bonuses. These checks can be used for filing fees to initiate the divorce. These checks can also be considered part of the marital estate by waiting. Another financial concern is that partners notified about a coming divorce before the holidays may punish their spouses by maxing out credit cards and increasing the marital debt.

There might not be a good time to seek a divorce from your spouse.  But after the holidays makes sense for a lot of people.  If you have decided to file for divorce, then contact an experienced family law attorney in Austin today.