The concept of January being “divorce month” is really no myth.
Family law attorneys frequently report January and February as being the
prime months for
divorce. It is not just married couples, however, who tend to end their relationship
at the start of the year. Many dating couples also cut ties around this
time as well. There are several reasons that make January a popular month
for relationships to end.
Not Wishing for Unhappy Holidays
One of the reasons is not surprising at all. Many couples have put off
ending the relationship until
after the holiday season as to not put a damper on the festivities. In order to avoid being the
Grinch of the holidays, some individuals will make one last attempt at
making the relationship work during the months of November and December.
Perhaps one or both parties are wishing for a Christmas miracle to help
them resolve their issues or re-spark any lost feelings for one another,
for isn’t that what happens in all the movies? The holiday season
has a way of highlighting the flaws in a relationship, however.
Additionally, separating lives or handing over divorce paperwork will certainly
disrupt any previously made
plans for the holidays, especially if air travel has already been booked. Explaining to the family
why one’s spouse is a no-show is also a less than desirable concept.
Couples with children often attempt to preserve the illusion of happiness
until after the holidays. They also do not want to have the child associate
the holiday season with their parents’ untimely divorce. In fact,
the decision to wait until January is most common in families with children.
The stresses of the holiday season are another factor that can play a role
in the breakup of relationships during January. The family’s economic
situation often becomes more evident than ever because of the desire to
give more to loved ones than is financially possible. Such pressure often
casts doubt on whether the relationship is working and whether it is worth
continuing.
Contemplations of the New Year
Many divorce cases are the result of one or both party’s year-end
reflections and their New Years’ resolutions. With the start of
a new year, many individuals start to self-examine themselves. They evaluate
what they want to change and what they don’t want to remain the
same for the year. For some, this is manifested by the ending of a relationship
if they realize they are not happy in their current love relationship.
How taxes are filed is another consideration that some will make. A person’s
marital status on December 31 will determine how taxes are filed the next
year, whether jointly or separately.
Is January a Good Month to Divorce?
The best time to divorce is not a date that can be placed on a calendar.
Although January appears to be a popular month to terminate a marriage
does not mean that it is superior to any other time. Every couple will
have to weigh the cost and benefits of their own situation and determine
what is best in their situation and the lives of their children.
If you need guidance from an experienced Houston divorce lawyer at any
time of the year,
contact the Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny today!