I know, it’s not exactly the most cheerful way to ring in the new year.
The truth is that as the calendar turns, January has earned the unofficial title of Divorce Month. As individuals assess their lives and make resolutions for the upcoming year, they may find themselves evaluating their relationships as well. Legal experts often attribute this phenomenon to one thing: the holidays. People are hesitant to go down the divorce road during the festive holiday season. For couples, particularly those with children, the thought of ending a marriage may have been lingering before the holidays, but choose to hold off, opting to stay married through the end of the year.
Today, we’ll take a deeper dive into why January seems to be the month when more couples decide to call it quits.
- Reflection and Resolutions:
January is a month associated with reflection and goal setting. As individuals assess their lives and make resolutions for the upcoming year, they may find themselves evaluating their relationships as well. The pressure to make positive changes in one’s life can lead individuals to reassess their marriages and decide that a divorce is the necessary step to achieve personal happiness and fulfillment.
- Post-Holiday Reality Check:
The holiday season, often associated with joy and togetherness, can also be a time of heightened stress and tension. Couples may find themselves facing unresolved issues or experiencing disappointment when reality doesn’t match the idealized holiday expectations. After the festivities conclude and normal routines resume, individuals may be more inclined to confront lingering problems and make the difficult decision to end their marriages.
- Financial Pressures:
The financial strain of holiday expenses can be a significant source of stress for couples. From gift-giving to travel and hosting family gatherings, the financial burden can take a toll on a marriage. As the new year begins and bills start piling up, couples may find themselves grappling with financial disagreements, leading some to consider divorce as a way to alleviate financial strain.
- Legal and Emotional Preparation:
For those contemplating divorce, January may be a strategic time to initiate the process. Individuals often use the preceding months to gather financial documents, consult with attorneys, divorce experts, and emotionally prepare for the significant life change. With the new year symbolizing a fresh start, January can be seen as an opportune time to officially begin the divorce proceedings.
- Delayed Decision-Making:
Some couples may choose to delay their decision to divorce during the holiday season, especially if children are involved. They might prioritize maintaining a semblance of normalcy during festivities. Once the holidays are over, couples may feel more compelled to address their issues and pursue divorce, contributing to the January spike.
As we jump into January with our resolutions and hopes for a better year, it’s also a month where many relationships go south. The mix of “new year, new me” mentality, post-holiday reality checks, money stress, emotional preparation, and avoiding reality all play into the January breakup phenomena.
The decision to pursue divorce is deeply personal, no matter what time of year, and if it’s time for you or someone you know, get help. Divorce is hard all around and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. By seeking emotional and legal assistance early in the process from coaches, therapists, and professionals, you’ll navigate the rocky waters of divorce and on with your life with more clarity, confidence, and resilience ready for your new beginning. Schedule your complimentary discovery call to see what support you may need as you embark on your road to divorce.
Love & Light,
Michele