Lawyers in the United Kingdom refer to January 8 as “Divorce Day” because of the spike in the number of couples deciding to dissolve their marriages after the holiday season ends.
Why do the holidays motivate many people to initiate divorce? Relationship experts attribute the decision to the stress of trying to have a perfect holiday, even when couples are no longer happy together. The relationship charity Relate reported that it receives a peak in calls in January as marital issues come to a head over Christmas. Further data revealed that more than 40,500 people in the U.K. will search for the word “divorce” online in January.
Is There a “Divorce Day” in the United States?
The United States also sees a divorce spike each year. However, research specific to American couples notes a different time of year in which the number increases. It’s also not on a single “divorce day.”
A University of Washington study graphed the frequency of divorce filings over the year. The researchers noted a spike during February and March, and one in August. An increase in searches for “divorce” and “child custody” online during the same months reinforces these findings.
Similar to U.K. couples, more people likely avoid announcing the decision to divorce during the holidays. Instead, they may be waiting until after the stretch of time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. This theory is even more plausible for families with children.
No matter the time of year, divorce takes a toll on everyone involved. Our goal at Petrelli Previtera, LLC is to efficiently guide our divorcing clients through the months to come. We are dedicated to minimizing stress and confusion. We also customize our approach for each couple’s needs – whether through mediation, litigation, or negotiating an agreement outside of court. Our attorneys‘ extensive knowledge helps clients make informed decisions every step of the way.