January has a reputation for being a popular month for breakups, and it’s true that divorce filings pick up about this time of year. In fact, January has been called “divorce month” in legal circles.
Recently, the New York Times questioned whether it is really true that a lot of people decide to file for divorce in January. They found mixed evidence. For one thing, although divorce filings are higher in January than in December and November, this may simply reflect that divorce filings are slow around the holidays.
According to Google Trends, people search for divorce-related information at a somewhat higher rate in January and early February – but that doesn’t necessarily mean people are making the decision to divorce in January or February. They may have made the decision earlier, or they may not have made the decision yet at all. And, search rates for divorce-related terms have also been found to be high in March and September, over the past few years.
Regardless of whether January is actually worthy of being called “divorce month,” it stands to reason that people would be interested in divorce this time of year. They may have made their decision long ago but put the project off until after the holiday season. Plus, a breakup in January means you don’t have to worry about Valentine’s Day.
Whether you’ve made the decision to get a divorce or are still weighing your options, you’re not alone. This time of year is one for new beginnings and bright hopes.
There’s no pressure to file in January. When it comes to most financial matters like taxes, the date your divorce is granted has more of an impact on your rights than whether you file early in the year. Maybe you’re just looking for information right now, or maybe you’ve decided already that you want to file in March.
Whatever your timetable, be sure to find a law firm that will listen to your story, look out for your best interests and help you exit your marriage in the way that’s best for you.
