January has unofficially been referred to as Divorce Month for years now. If it’s your first time encountering this moniker, you may be wondering why that is the case. This trend can boil down to one idea: the holidays. When you think about it, people don’t want to get a divorce during the festive season.
This is especially true for couples who have children because they want their kids to have one last Christmas as a family before rolling out the divorce proceedings. Essentially, couples who started considering divorce way before the holidays stick it out through the festive season and file for divorce in January when the family pressures have subsided.
What causes the January surge?
January’s association with increased divorce filings is not a mere coincidence. There are reasons behind this phenomenon that range from the aftermath of holiday stress to newfound resolutions for change.
The holiday season, often romanticized as a time of joy and togetherness, can magnify existing issues within a marriage. Financial strain, family expectations and the pressure to create idyllic memories can strain relationships, reaching a breaking point for some couples.
How to prepare for a January divorce
For individuals contemplating divorce, the process involves more than just legal paperwork. It’s a profound life change that requires careful consideration. For starters, divorce inevitably brings financial changes.
Understanding the financial implications, from asset division to alimony considerations, is crucial for individuals embarking on this journey. Knowledge empowers, and being well-informed helps ensure a more equitable outcome.
For couples with children, issues of custody and support become central. Crafting a detailed parenting plan and understanding child support calculations are crucial components. The aim is to prioritize the well-being of children while addressing the practicalities of co-parenting post-divorce.
While January’s label as “Divorce Month” might seem sensational, the underlying reasons are grounded in real and complex dynamics. If you’re headed for a January divorce, acknowledging the challenges you may face and seeking proactive solutions, both legally and emotionally, can pave the way for a more amicable divorce process.
