Here’s some behind-the-scenes information about us:  this time of year nearly always marks a swift gear shift for our law firm.  We go from helping others to “tie things up” for 2019, straight into an onslaught of all-new Louisiana divorce matters.  It is not uncommon for law firms in Louisiana specializing in divorce and family law to experience this phenomenon between January and March.  In fact, studies show that the most popular time for divorce is between January and March.

Why is it that marriages are, statistically speaking, more likely to end this time of year? 

1.       A Vacation May Bring Frustrations To The Surface

A study conducted by the University of Washington revealed that the time following vacation months tended to show a spike in divorce.  The increase presents itself most notably during the time between January and March, and, secondarily, in late August and early September as well.  This suggests that vacations may force a couple to interact more intensively.  Organizing the kids and the house and the many tasks surrounding a family vacation may highlight the perceived shortcomings in one or both spouses. 

When you’re traveling or stuck in a house with no office to escape to over the Christmas holidays, it may be impossible to ignore a spouse with whom you are dissatisfied.  If you’re simply not getting along with your spouse, it could become impossible to avoid the forthcoming clash.  This article published in The Atlantic asserts that a family vacation could be the hair that breaks the marriage’s back.

2.       Parents Just Want to “Make It Through” Christmas

Whether it’s for the sake of their extended family, appearances, or their children, if a couple is suffering before the holidays, they may “wait it out” until the holidays are over.

It’s nearly universal:  parents love their kids.  We all know that our current culture places a high premium on Christmas, and over the holidays, we may simply only care about our small children having a magical December.  In many cases, we will do what we have to in order to ensure that this this is possible.  Or, if your kids are older, and they’re only in town for the holidays, you don’t want them to have to process a divorce when you’re supposed to be spending time together.

Parents usually experience an all-time high of stress surrounding Christmas, and many would assert that it’s because we love our children.  As a result, it’s not uncommon for parents to “put on a happy face” and simply tough it out until January 1.

3.       Broken Promises

For some, the holidays can mean optimism, family closeness, and love.  After all, December is unofficially known as “engagement month”.  A spouse may view the holidays as a chance for redemption for their relationship; a time to give their marriage or spouse “one last shot”.  When that spouse doesn’t get the little bit of hope that they were looking for, it can be extremely saddening.  What may have been a vague discontent before the holidays may become a solidified resolve to finally leave the relationship.

4.       A New Year Can Mean a New Start

Perhaps your divorce doesn’t involve children, and perhaps your needing a divorce isn’t even all that negative or sad.  You may simply just want a new lease on life.  Sometimes, it’s very simple:  what you have tried in the past isn’t working for you, and it’s time to get a divorce and just move on with your life.

A new year’s resolution, after all, doesn’t need to be about getting in shape. Sometimes, you may just need to begin again and start fresh.  January 1 has a way of making you want to clear out the unnecessary things in your life.  Many of us start thinking about what we need to do to make our lives what we want them to be.  In many cases, that can mean a split.

Remember, if you are contemplating a split, you are not alone.