The holidays have long been a period of sadness for some. It can be because of loneliness, not being able to see family, being haunted by memories of holidays past, or just the forced cheer of the season. It can make people depressed or worse.
The stress of the holiday’s demanding social schedule can also break fissures in a marriage wide open. Of course, New Years is also a time for reflection for many, prompting them to look at their lives and see what they would like to change in the coming year.
Divorce’s Black Friday
According to a recent story in the Chicago Tribune, the Monday after Christmas break has become the Black Friday of divorce, with filings for divorce jumping by nearly one-third, joining March (think about it in January and then file in March) and September (end of summer) as other popular months for filing.
Sometimes it’s About the Financials
There are also less emotional and more financial-based reasons. Those who have prenuptial agreements will look to see what the trigger dates are, be it five years or ten or whenever. Filing before that date ensures that there isn’t a jump in the level of alimony they will have to pay. Perhaps there is an end of the year bonus still to be determined at work, and they don’t to share it with a spouse they plan to leave.
There are also income taxes to consider. If you file for divorce before the end of the year, you don’t get to file a joint income tax return, thus not getting that tax break that families enjoy.
Your move
Marriage counselors generally propose that couples should take a bit more time to recover from the holiday, instead of rushing into the business of dissolving the partnership; nonetheless, January is trending as an opportune moment to take care of some unpleasant business.
Perhaps you or a friend is contemplating divorce. Speaking with an experienced family law attorney can be helpful in figuring out what you next move is. In weighing the options, you may decide to let these temporary feelings pass. But if you are resolved to dissolve, then an attorney can help guide you through the process in a way that will be fair and equitable for all involved, particularly the kids.