The 3 Most Common Months For Divorce

The most common months for divorce may seem like a strange topic to address, but it’s one that nonetheless can have an impact on those whose marriage may be on the brink. If nothing else, knowing when a spouse is more likely to file for divorce can be helpful to prepare in case it does, in fact, come to pass.
 

January

In the circles of family law, January is also known as “divorce month”. The reason why January is such a busy time for divorces is probably what many people would suspect: new year, new beginnings, fresh start, etc.

But interestingly enough, there are actually some valid reasons why January is a good time for a divorce from a financial and logistical perspective, as opposed to just an emotional one:

• Taxes: Making a clean break at the beginning of the year makes planning for taxes and other financial matters easier.
• Holiday Bonuses: While it may sound a bit malicious, waiting until after a spouse receives a year-end bonus (thus ensuring it will be counted as marital income) is often a motivating factor in waiting until the new year to file for divorce.
• Logistics: Moving out of the family home and finding a new place to live can be harder during the holiday months when businesses are frequently closed or have shorter hours.

It should be said that waiting until January to get a divorce just because it may be more convenient should not be the sole reason for postponing a divorce, especially if there are domestic violence issues involved. An unhealthy marriage should always be dissolved as soon a possible regardless of the time of year.

March

March may seem like a bit of a head-scratcher as a common month for divorce, but a study by two researchers at the University of Washington shows clear evidence of spikes in the number of divorce filings and divorce related searches in both March and August.

Couples need time to get finances in order, find an attorney or simply summon the courage to file for divorce, Brines suggests. Though the same considerations apply in summer, Brines thinks the start of the school year school may hasten the timing, at least for couples with children.

Another anecdotal suggestion is that Valentine’s day is often a “last ditch” attempt for struggling couples to try and rekindle a flagging marriage. If the effort fails, couples may consider that the last straw before deciding to file for divorce.
 

August

August is typically the month when many families are coming back from summer vacations and beginning to prepare for school (if there are children) and the holiday months.

The idea of “one last family vacation, all together” is a common psychological motivator for postponing a divorce for many couples. Summer holidays are often considered sacred times for families, and the idea of filing for divorce during these times is often considered inappropriate, or even taboo.

Finally, there is again the recurring theme of the idea that getting away from the stresses of work and domestic issues may allow a failing marriage to heal and rejuvenate.