Why is January Known as ‘Divorce Month’ in Florida?
The holidays are officially over and while many families are still basking in the glow of Christmas lights and happy memories, others are preparing to separate. Across the country, January is known as ‘divorce month’ due to the fact that so many divorce cases are filed at the very beginning of the year. There are many reasons for the trend. Below, one of our Tampa divorce attorneys explains what these are.
Getting a Fresh Start
Many people view the New Year as an opportunity to get a fresh start. During the months of December and January, many people reevaluate their lives and determine whether they need to make changes. People in unhappy marriages may decide that now is the time to file for divorce. January often promises a fresh start that is unburdened by marital conflict and this is often enough motivation for people to start the divorce process.
Clarity After the Holidays
Marital problems are often brought to the forefront during the holidays. Increased family obligations, financial stress, and unmet expectations often shine a light on the problems in a relationship. By the time January rolls around, many people have already reached their breaking point and so, they file for divorce.
Protecting the Children
While holidays are a time for the entire family, parents often want to make them particularly special for the children. They often fear that announcing they are divorcing will ruin the holidays for their kids, and the rest of the family. For this reason, many couples choose to stay together for the holidays but file for divorce soon afterwards.
A Return to Schedule
For many people, the holidays are an incredibly hectic time. There is family to visit, shopping to do, decorating to be done, and so much more. Most people do not want to add something else to their schedule that is already very busy. As such, many people wait until January when the kids go back to school, they go back to work, and things return to normal before filing for divorce.
Preparing to File for Divorce in January
If you are thinking about filing for divorce in January, knowing a few important factors will help you prepare. These include:
- Increased demand: With so many people filing for divorce in January, divorce attorneys are very busy. It is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
- Emotional challenges: In the wake of the holidays, filing for divorce is especially difficult. It is important to set up a support network that can help you through this difficult time.
- Be prepared: While divorce is an emotional process, it is also a legal one. Your lawyer can help you file your petition, gather important documents, and consider your goals for divorce.
Call Our Divorce Attorney in Tampa Today
At All Family Law Group, P.A., our Tampa divorce attorney is dedicated to helping people through the process of ending their marriage, and we can put that expertise to work for you, too. Call us today at 813-672-1900 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our experienced attorney and to learn more about how we can help.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/0061.html
