Why January always sees an uptick in divorce filings

There is no easy time for a couple to begin the divorce process. No matter when it happens, divorce almost always comes with a considerable measure of stress, conflict and bitterness, both for the divorcing couple and their children. Despite this, the month of January seems to have become “divorce month” across the nation, due to the noticeable spike in inquiries into the divorce process that occurs shortly after New Year’s. Why is this, and what does it mean for your divorce?

Delaying divorce for the children

It should come as no surprise that divorce is often a brutal event for children. Divorce’s psychological effects on children can manifest themselves in the form of diminished academic performance, greater behavioral issues, higher rates of delinquency and mental health issues, and so forth.

Knowing this, parents often try to delay the day when they begin the divorce process, so as to spare their children these trials for as long as possible. Many parents hold off on filing for divorce towards the end of the year so that they can have one last holiday season as a family. This means that they officially begin the process in January, after the holidays come to a close.

The new year is also a time for many people to take steps towards achieving goals that they have put off for a long time. They may decide to finally submit their petition for divorce as part of their New Year’s resolutions.

How this will affect my divorce

Despite the increase in divorces in January, you don’t have to put off your own divorce plans if you are eager to get the process started. Divorce courts may have dockets that are slightly busier than in other parts of the year, but it is not an insurmountable inconvenience.

However, if you hope to get through your divorce as quickly and painlessly as possible, then it’s a good idea to consult your attorney as to alternatives to litigation, such as divorce mediation, or negotiating your own divorce agreement for the judge to sign off on. Either of these options can save you a considerable amount of time, money and stress.