Is January Divorce Month?

Every January, divorce filings nationwide spike as couples come to terms with the fact that their marriage is no longer feasible. This month-long surge has made January a well-known divorce month, but what are the underlying causes? Let’s dive into this phenomenon and explore the reasons why so many couples opt for divorce in the new year.

Leaving the Holidays Holly and Jolly

Many experts attribute this annual uptick to the holiday season – or, more precisely, the desire to avoid divorcing during it. It is common for couples to enter into a sort of “truce” during December out of respect for family traditions, religious beliefs, and other factors. This is especially true for parents with young children, as they don’t want to leave a negative lasting mark on the holiday season.

There is also the possibility that the holidays themselves contributed to a resolution to file for divorce. This is a high-stress time that often leads to family disputes. With the expectation to behave in certain ways, it can only further exacerbate any existing marital problems.

But once January 1st arrives, so too does a fresh start; many people feel liberated from any obligations they felt in December and use this newfound freedom to file for divorce and begin the process.

Scheduling Challenges

It’s also no secret that the holidays are also time demanding. With hectic schedules, trips, and other factors in play, it can be difficult to make additional time for other things– including a divorce. Divorce is also a time-consuming process, with the potential for court sessions if negotiating an agreement is not possible.

By waiting until the new year, a couple will have more time and flexibility to incorporate the divorce process into their schedule.

Finances are a Key Factor

Additionally, the start of a new year often brings renewed financial stability after months of holiday spending. This financial security can provide couples with much needed peace-of-mind when filing for divorce – no one wants to go through such an emotionally draining process while simultaneously worrying about their bank account balance.

The decision to delay the start of the divorce process allows a couple to save appropriately and strategize their finances overall. Furthermore, there are also tax benefits to take into consideration. If a couple files for a divorce after December 31st, they can still file for taxes jointly if they wish to do so.

Practical Decision Making

The high volume of people filing for divorce in January also has practical implications; because so many couples are seeking legal assistance at once, it can be difficult to secure representation quickly. Therefore, when considering starting 2023 off with a divorce filing, it is best to begin researching options as soon as possible in order to secure an attorney for representation.

When beginning to research attorneys, it is important to keep in mind several important factors. First, do they have proven experience in divorce and other family law matters? The team at Creative Family Solutions, Cianci Law, PC has extensive experience in helping California residents kickstart their divorce process.

Representation When You Need It

There is no single answer as to why so many people choose January as their official separation date; rather, there are a multitude of reasons that come together each year around this time. No matter what route you and your partner ultimately decide on, make sure that you retain the experienced legal representation you need in order to have a successful divorce process. The team at Creative Family Solutions, Cianci Law, PC is here when you are ready to file for your divorce.

Contact our team today at (916) 797-1575 to schedule an appointment for a consultation! If a divorce is on your table for 2023, know that our team is ready to guide you through this challenging time.