To every thing there is a season and a time to every purpose, and the same goes for your divorce. Findings of a recent study by Julie Brines and Brian Serafini of the University of Washington made the news in August, after the researches demonstrated that there is a definite and consistent season when couples are more likely to divorce: in winter, after the holiday season.

According to a report on the research findings in the Washington Post, the December holidays can be a time of increased stress, whether from disappointed expectations of happiness or trying interactions with extended family members. “People tend to face the holidays with rising expectations, despite what disappointments they might have had in years past,” Brines said. The emotional stress during these times can contribute to the decision by some to end their marriages. “Holidays may be a time of pent-up demand for divorce that gets released in the subsequent months as spouses file their paperwork to split up,” according to the Post. During the holidays, emotions run high. If you are unhappy or angry in your marriage, the holidays may push your feelings to the breaking point (Huffington Post).

According to findlaw.com, searches for “divorce” and related phrases such as “family law” and “child custody” jump by 50 percent in January, and continued to surge through March. The acceleration in January can be due to the fact that couples that have decided to divorce postpone it until after their children have enjoyed the winter holidays with an intact family. This is what Brines and Serafini called “the calendar of ‘domestic rituals’ that govern contemporary American family life. Winter and summer holidays are ‘culturally sacred’ times—nobody chooses to file for divorce on Christmas or the Fourth of July.

Another suggested reason for divorcing during the earliest months of the year: income tax. A person’s marital status as of December 31 determines whether that person will file a joint or an individual return for the year. The economic downturn may have affected divorce timing.

Certified divorce consultant Cathy Meyer may have summed it up most efficiently in the Huffington Post: “Look, there’s no good time to divorce. If you’re going to do it, January is as good as any time. It’s no more or less painful than it is in June. Divorce is ultimately a very personal decision, and what’s best for you doesn’t have anything to do with the date on the calendar.”

The seasoned family law and divorce lawyers at the McGrath Law Firm, founded by attorney Peter McGrath, will walk you through every step of the challenging divorce process to address your concerns and achieve your goals as efficiently as possible.  From spousal support, child support, fault, and equitable division of property and debt to valuations, pre-nuptial agreements, and restraining orders, the experienced attorneys at McGrath Law Firm have a successful track record in all aspects of divorce law. Call us to schedule your consultation at (800) 283-1380.