The holiday season is naturally a time of great expectations. However, they can also test the strength of a marriage.
Sometimes couples face the new year with trepidation, which is one reason January is a prime time for divorce filings.
The first Monday and more
Divorce inquiries abound at the first of every year beginning on the first Monday following the holiday break. Some years it is a two-fold increase and other years it is a three-fold increase, but whatever happens, the inquiries continue throughout the month.
New Year’s resolutions
Mental health professionals may be of the opinion that the new year is a time for many people to take stock of their lives, and thus, their marriages. Those who are unhappy see the new year as the perfect time to divorce and make a fresh start. A word of caution, however: Feelings of unhappiness can be temporary.
Not every unhappy couple resign themselves to ending the relationship, of course. Many people may try to hold their marriage together by buying expensive gifts for their spouses for the holiday. Other couples may plan either to have date nights without their children or cozy evenings at home.
Considerations for the future
Many couples who are heading for a divorce just want to get the process over with, but divorce is a serious and often complex matter. There are decisions to be made and trying to hurry divorce along may result in mistakes that could be costly from a financial point of view.
No matter how a couple with marital issues sees the holidays, it is important to keep the proper perspective on the year ahead. January may not be the best time to file for divorce—but then again, it might.
