For quite some time, the month of January has unofficially been considered “Divorce Month”, or the biggest month for initiating a divorce. But what’s the reason behind this phenomenon?  

Many legal experts believe that it’s due to the number of couples who consider it sooner but wish to hold off until after the holidays are over, to celebrate as a family one last time. This rings especially true for those with young children. 

January is a month of New Year’s resolutions, abandoning bad habits, and striving for self-improvement. Stress levels during the holidays are made worse by problems in marriage, and many couples look at the new year as an opportunity for a fresh start and a clean slate. People tend to make resolutions to improve the quality of their lives, even if it means ending a toxic marriage. 

Conversely, for others, the festivities of the holiday season – the pretty lights, the gifts, the parties, good food, and music, can create a temporary, albeit false, sense of contentment in a marriage. But once the new year begins, so do the post-holiday blues, and reality sets in, causing couples to reevaluate many aspects of their lives, including their relationships. 

The holidays are a time when families come together. This can cause one or both spouses to receive support from family members to make the bold move towards divorce – something they wouldn’t normally have the courage to pursue. 

Lastly, another reason for the influx of divorces in January is taxes. Couples may have filed joint tax returns in the past and want to start the new year without any tax-related complications, although that will require them to be divorced before December 31. 

Regardless of the reason, sometimes divorce is a necessary step towards happiness and self-fulfillment, especially when all other options have been exhausted. 

Looking for a divorce lawyer on Long Island? Our team of experts has more than 100 years of combined experience and will educate you on everything you need to know about divorce, rather than merely tell you what you may want to hear. We are very selective with the cases we accept, allowing us the capacity to work proactively and efficiently. This way, you and your family can move on to the next chapter of your lives with minimal emotional and financial strain.  

Visit josephlawpc.com to learn more about our team or call us at 516-542-2000 to see if a consultation with one of our attorneys makes sense for you.