Every year, the turn of the calendar to a new January is accompanied by an upward trend in divorce filings in Georgia and across the country. Many family law attorneys are familiar with the surge of calls they receive at the beginning of every new year. Even online search engines show a marked increase in interest in divorce-related topics with the change of the year. This belief is backed up by statistics; a study found that a seasonal trend of more divorce filings in January is found consistently from year to year, even when the overall divorce rate is on the decline.
Divorce after the holidays
If you are a parent considering divorce, you may want to do what you can to ease the emotional burden on your children. The end of the holiday season can spark a spate of divorce filings that were postponed until after the celebrations were over. Parents may want to give their children a final holiday that is not affected by the news of their parents’ separation. They may want them to enjoy the season without worry. In addition, many people do not want to explain their marital conflicts to an array of family members and others at social gatherings during the season. Others may find that stresses associated with holiday conflicts confirm their decision to separate.
Making changes with the new year
The new year is also known as a time to implement resolutions for changes in your life. If you want to start an exercise program, begin a diet or look for a new job, the turn of the calendar may inspire you to get started. People who have been in an unhappy marriage for a long time may make the same determination. The promise of new beginnings can inspire them to make the decision to go to an attorney and file the papers for divorce.
Of course, divorce comes with an array of emotional, practical, legal and financial changes that can have a major effect on both people’s lives. Getting a lawyer’s assistance in understanding the issues involved, like property division and child custody, may help you to advocate for a fair dissolution process.
