What is the Most Common Time of Year to File for Divorce?

Every divorce is different from one another. However, research suggests that there are certain times of the year when married couples are more likely to decide to divorce. While divorce rates tend to go down at the end of the year months, they start to pick up at the start of the new year. It is because of this that January is sometimes referred to as “Divorce Month.” If you are going through a divorce, it is important that you contact an experienced New Jersey divorce attorney for guidance and assistance. 

Why is January a Common Time to File for Divorce?

A Google Trend search for “divorce” in 2019 showed that it was most popular from January 6 to January 12. The beginning of the year is often a time that people use to knock bad habits and have a fresh start. This is reflected in divorce rates as well. There are many cases in which getting out of an unhappy marriage is a spouse’s new year’s resolution where they vow to change their life for the better.

In addition to this, spouses may hold off filing for divorce at the end of the year because they do not want to ruin the holiday season for their family. This is especially so when the couple has children together and want to give them one last holiday season together. There are also many cases in which the holidays trigger a desire for a divorce. This may be the case if one spouse has high expectations and feels as if they are not met.

Other Common Times to File

Research also shows that there is a smaller spike in divorce filings during the summer months of July and August. This is usually the case due to the reason that parents may want to end their marriage before the new school year begins for their kids. Doing so allows them the opportunity to find a new home and possibly even move their child to a different school district instead of uprooting them in the middle of the year. 

When considering divorce, it is important to remember that this is a personal decision that should not be influenced by any outside factors. Regardless of when it is common to file for divorce, you should make this decision when it is right for you to leave a relationship. Contact a compassionate divorce attorney today if it is the right time for you.

Contact our Firm

If you need an experienced legal team to guide you through a divorce matter, contact Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark L.L.C today.