What Makes January the Most Popular Month for Divorce?

 Posted on December 27, 2024 in Divorce

More divorces are filed in January than in any other month. Conversely, very few divorces are filed in December and November. There are a few things driving the high rate of divorce filings in January, such as a desire to time divorce around the holidays. Few people want to initiate a divorce that could become ugly or separate the children from a parent just before major winter holidays. There may also be financial and practical reasons for waiting until the new year to initiate a divorce. If you are considering getting divorced in the coming month, know that you are not alone. It is important to find a Palo Pinto, TX divorce attorney who can continue giving you personalized attention during this busy time of year.

Timing Divorce Around the Holidays 

The holidays have a major effect on divorce rates. A few of the ways the winter holidays may drive up the divorce rate in January include: 

• Not disrupting your children’s holiday - Parents of young children rarely want to tell their children that they are getting divorced right before major holidays. It is common for parents to allow their children to celebrate the way they are used to and wait until January to start the divorce process. 
• Postponing divorce due to financial strain - Divorce can be costly, especially if you may need to litigate. People are often operating on thin margins due to holiday expenditures. It may be preferable to wait until your financial situation returns to normal to file. 
• Hopes of reconciliation - The holidays can bring out a spirit of togetherness and sentimentality that makes some couples question whether they really want to get divorced. While some spouses do successfully reconcile, others decide after the holidays are over that they do want to proceed with divorce. 

Reacting to New or Escalating Family Violence 

Domestic violence frequently begins or gets worse during the holidays. The stress of the holiday season can drive perpetrators of family violence to escalate their behavior. Many survivors come to the conclusion that they must leave the abuser right around the holidays and file for divorce in January.

Tax and Financial Considerations in Divorce 

For some married couples, there are important tax considerations in their divorce. It may be preferable for some to wait until the new year to initiate a divorce and establish separate households. Others may want to wait until January for financial reasons, such as keeping one spouse covered on the other’s health insurance plan until new coverage begins in January.

Contact a Parker County, TX Divorce Attorney

The Law Offices of Kary L. Key is committed to helping people time their divorces well. Experienced Palo Pinto, TX divorce lawyer Kary Key will ensure that you are receiving her full attention during your divorce, regardless of the time of year you choose to file. Contact us at 817-599-6969 for a confidential consultation.