It’s still bitterly cold outside here in New York, and spring hasn’t even sprung, yet many of us are already making plans for what we’re going to do when warm weather sets in during the upcoming seasons.
Researchers at the University of Washington (UW) suggest that some folks may already be contemplating divorce as part of their summer plans.
When are divorce filings most common in the U.S.?
UW researchers compiled divorce filing data between 2001 and 2015, and they discovered that significantly more couples file for divorce in March and April than any other months during the year. Further research shows there’s an uptick in divorce filings in January and August as well.
Why do new divorce filings increase at certain times of the year?
There’s seldom a single factor that motivates a couple to throw in the towel on their marriage. Divorcing spouses often cite infidelity, financial disparities, a lack of a shared vision for their family and endless other factors as to why they decide to part ways.
So why do new divorce filings spike at specific times instead of remaining steady all year long? Legal analysts suggest that togetherness during the winter holidays and summer breaks often leads spouses to focus on their differences and reassess whether they want to remain in their marriage anymore. Many husbands and wives decide that staying together is no longer an option for them after this reflection period.
What should you do if you’re considering divorce?
There’s no such thing as preparing too soon if you know that a divorce is imminent. You can take advantage of any advanced notice to sit down with a divorce attorney. Being proactive may not only allow you to better protect your interests but help you more quickly resolve your New York divorce case in the end.