The holidays are a challenging time for many people, especially those in a deteriorating marriage. The stress and heightened expectations surrounding holiday events can exacerbate a challenging situation and bring difficulties to a head.
If you are considering a divorce or if you think your spouse is leaning in that direction during the holiday season, it is important to be prepared for divorce day which is coming up in early January.
What is Divorce Day?
There are certain times of the year when attorneys see a spike in the number of calls and emails they receive from potential clients seeking divorce. Although there is no universal agreement on which exact day should be officially known as “divorce day,” a recent article in the Chicago Tribune places it on the first Monday back to work after the New Year’s break.
Immediately after the holidays is good choice for divorce day since there is a remarkable uptick in divorce requests during this time.
There are a few reasons for this increase in divorces during the first week of January:
- The stress of the holidays: For many couples who are already struggling, there is a strong temptation to put all the pressure on the holidays. People imagine that one “perfect” holiday that will make everything perfect. But events like this usually fall short of expectations. Even relatively happy couples can experience significant stress on their relationships during the holidays, leading to surprise divorces.
- New Year’s resolutions: Some spouses will use the New Year as a time to break free from a difficult marriage and start a new life.
- Pre-emptive planning: Especially in marriages with children, it is not uncommon for couples to wait until after the holidays to tell their kids they are divorcing.
Preparing for Divorce Day
If you are planning a divorce after the New Year, or if you suspect your spouse will be seeking divorce, you need to be prepared.
First of all, it is important to avoid putting too much pressure on the holidays to salvage your marriage. Also, it can be a good idea to wait a little while to let the emotions of the holidays pass before making this serious of a decision. Do not send your life on a course you could regret unless you are absolutely sure divorce is the right decision.
