As Christmas comes to an end, the tree comes down, and the decorations are put safely away until next year. Now comes the time to reflect on the past year and make resolutions or goals to pursue in the new year.
For many people, this longing for a new start may include divorce.
Post-holiday blues
We look forward to the holidays as a time for joy, family gatherings, gift-giving and traditions. However, for some couples, it can also magnify marital tensions. The financial strain from buying gifts, expectations of others and the stress of holiday preparations can put pressure on cracks that have already started to form in the couple’s relationship.
Problems often go unresolved during the holidays, especially if children are involved. No one wants to be responsible for disrupting family celebrations, so they may choose to put their issues on the back burner until life has settled back to normal.
January is often associated with fresh starts. It’s a time when millions of people set resolutions to improve their health, job situation or personal life. For someone who is in an unsatisfactory marriage, the symbolic clean slate of a new year can be a catalyst and provide the courage to take action.
There are other reasons why some couples wait until January to begin divorce proceedings, including:
- It gives them an additional year to enjoy the tax benefits of filing jointly while saving money for next year’s tax filing
- They want to minimize disruption to their children’s schedules
- They need to assess their financial situation
- The natural pause that comes after Christmas provides time to gather paperwork and consult with lawyers
While many people start exploring divorce in January, it takes several months to complete and finalize a divorce. For couples struggling in their marriage, the new year can provide the opportunity to create a brighter future.