January is commonly referred to as the Divorce Month. It has a reputation as the time of year when divorce cases spike in frequency and more couples are looking to split up.
But what is it about January that creates this rise in divorce filings? Is there anything inherent about this month, in particular, that pushes people toward the end of their marriages? Below, let’s take a look at a few of the factors that influence January‘s reputation.
Tax concerns
One thing to remember is that married couples file joint tax returns. With tax season coming up, they’re likely considering all of these joint finances. They may decide to get divorced in January so that they don’t have to file jointly the following year. They can separate all of their finances in advance and file their own taxes.
Family times
Additionally, the holidays tend to be times for families to come together. Maybe you want to take the children to their grandparents for Christmas. Maybe you’re meeting up with everyone for Thanksgiving. Regardless of the specifics, the late fall and early winter months are often thought of as months for holidays and family, so couples will sometimes put off a divorce until this has ended. But after New Year’s Day, the divorce is back on the table.
Returning to school
Children often get the holidays off for various school breaks, so parents may have a bit more of a chaotic schedule and it may feel like the children are around all of the time. If the parents wait until January, those kids head back to school for the winter semester, and the parents will have a bit more free time to focus on the divorce. They can also have more delicate conversations without the children around.
A last chance
Finally, some couples look at the holidays as a last chance for the marriage. They may hope that it brings them closer and means they don’t need to get divorced. But if that doesn’t pan out, then they have a new focus for the following year as they move forward with their life.
Are you getting divorced?
If you do decide to get divorced this January or any other time this year, be sure you know what legal steps to take.
