With the end of the end of the holiday season comes a well-documented trend known among legal practitioners as “Divorce Day.” The first working Monday in January, “Divorce Day” is generally understood to be a time that courts and law firms around the country experience an influx of divorce-related inquiries and filings.
Why January?
There are many reasons for the January spike in decisions about divorce. Some of these reasons are:
- New Year, Fresh Start: Since January is the beginning of a new year, many folks use this time to set new goals and reflect about their lives. Those who were thinking about divorce might think of January as an obvious time to start fresh.
- Holiday Stress: The holiday season can be a stressful time for many, which can strain relationships. Some might have waited until after the holidays to ensure a peaceful holiday season before filing for divorce.
- The Kids: January is also a good time for divorced parents to review or change their parenting plans. As children grow and circumstances change, it's important to ensure that the parenting plan is still in the child’s best interest. Additionally, if the other parent is not following an existing judgment, it might be time to take enforcement actions. It’s a good idea to talk to an attorney if you’re thinking about changing your parenting plan or need help enforcing it.
- Tax Reasons: Some couples delay divorce proceedings until the new year for tax-related reasons.
But You Don’t Have to Wait
While there may be peak times for divorce filings, you don't have to wait to take action. Whether you're thinking about filing for divorce or need to change your parenting plan, The Commons Law Center is here to help. Contact us here to schedule a meeting with an experienced family law attorney. Our legal coaching program provides affordable help for different family law issues, including divorce, custody, and modifications.