January has been nicknamed "Divorce Month" due to many couples in Colorado and throughout the U.S. deciding to get divorced during this month. According to legal research and analysis, there is an increase in divorce cases in January, followed by a rise and peak in March. This statistic is based on divorce filings between 2008 and 2011.
Some professionals believe that more people consider divorce in January because they begin to contemplate their options. Search terms, such as "family law," "divorce," and "child custody," saw an increase of 50 percent in January. Some believe that it is because spouses do not want to seem unsympathetic to their families by divorcing before Christmas. Another reason is that some individuals may have more funds due to receiving bonuses at the end of the year. Spouses may postpone until January because they don't want to change their filing for income tax purposes.
The new year may bring about divorces because people reflect on their lives and may feel that they are not happy and want to change that. However, this should not be the only reason. Some divorce specialists advise waiting for a time in which a spouse feels centered about his or her life and needs. September represents a time when divorces are also common due to vacation time ending and kids returning to school.
Individuals looking for a fresh start may decide to discuss their options with a lawyer months before making it official. They might ask key questions about the cost of divorce, the implications of divorce, and other practical matters.
Source: CNN, "In January, 'ex' marks the spot", Sarah LeTrent, January 17, 2014
Tags: Divorce, child custody
Related Posts: What are acceptable grounds for a divorce in Colorado?, Infidelity and how it relates to divorce, Review of legal separation in Colorado, Why should I consider a prenuptial agreement?