As married people step into the new year, many of them end up sitting at attorneys’ offices during the month of January. It is a phenomenon referred to as “divorce month” in the United States because of the number of divorce filings seen during this period.
Let’s dive into the reasons behind this phenomenon, exploring why many married couples decide to part ways as the calendar flips to a new chapter.
New Year reflection
The holiday season can bring about a time of reflection, which can prompt married people to evaluate their lives, relationships, careers, and personal happiness. Everyone has heard of new year’s resolutions, in particular the decision that many people make each year to join a gym and become more fit.
In the same way, married people who reflect on their lives and the state of their relationships may decide to shed their spouse as part of their plan to create a better, more fulfilling life for themselves. These people often see January as an opportunity to break free from unhappy relationships and embark on a journey toward personal growth and happiness.
Finances: budget strains
Most Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck and holiday expenses can add immense strain to their financial budgets, leading married people to wonder if they are better off alone.
Perhaps spouses do not share the same financial philosophies. Perhaps they want something different for themselves. Either way, finances are one of the most common reasons married people choose to file for divorce in January.
Decision delay
Many married couples who already know they are unhappy and want to divorce choose to wait until after the holidays to break the news to their family and friends and to file for divorce and make it official. Holidays are special and some couples prefer to wait so their families can enjoy a sense of normalcy through the holidays and then deal with the dissolution of their marriage later.
While it may seem surprising that January is labeled as divorce month in the United States, there is a clear and understandable pattern that leads divorce attorneys to understand why so many married couples choose to file in January.
Whether it is reflection, the desire for a fresh start, financial disagreements that linger on for years, or the resolution to prioritize personal happiness, many married individuals see the beginning of the year as the right time to untangle the threads of marriage.