Why is January Known as Divorce Month?

If you ask an accountant what their busiest month is, they’ll likely say April. Wedding planners nowadays tend to claim June or October. But for divorce attorneys, it’s almost always January. In fact, the spike in divorce filings is so pronounced that the first weekday of the month is often referred to as Divorce Monday and the entire month is known as Divorce Month. But why do so many people file for divorce in January?

Couples Attempt One Last Holiday Hurrah

The holiday season can be a wonderful time full of hope and love. Family, friends, and even estranged partners can reconnect and build stronger bonds almost magically. Many couples at their wit’s end attempt to get through one last holiday season either with the hope of saving their marriage or at least creating happy memories for their kids. That way if the holiday magic doesn’t save the marriage, the memories should at least help the kids be open to a new and happier future.

Stress Levels Hit an All-Time High

Even most bad marriages aren’t bad all the time. But the holidays can challenge that concept. According to national studies, approximately 45% of Americans would skip Christmas if they could and almost 25% of Americans feel extreme stress over the holiday season. Time, finances, and gift-related pressure are the primary reasons for that stress. Add a troubled marriage and chaotic household to the mix, and stress levels can hit an all-time high. The end result is often the need to contact a Michigan divorce attorney.

Time to Start Over with a Clean Slate

The New Year is a time of rebirth and rediscovery. And for many people, that means starting over with a clean slate, regardless of their goals: diet, fitness, financial, mental, or relationship-wise. If the holidays proved a bust for reconnecting with the spouse, one New Year’s resolution may be to be single again by the following holiday season. Divorces filed at the beginning of January may be finalized as early as March or August, depending on how complicated the proceedings become. A competent Michigan divorce attorney can help you expedite the divorce and help you regain most of your sanity and self-worth along the way.

It Fits the Financial Plan

If you’re married even one day into the new year, you can legally still claim marital status on your tax returns for that year. That’s a great benefit to some couples who may be dealing with significant financial challenges on their own after the divorce is finalized. The same can be true for medical plans, some savings plans, and even retirement or pensions. Having the older kids out of the house in January or back to college can also make it far easier to file since their emotions won’t cloud your personal judgment. Divorces run much more smoothly when both partners are focused on individual and family growth, and filing in January can help make it easier all around. But you’ll still need a competent Michigan divorce attorney to help ensure all legalities are met. We’re just a call away when you’re ready.