Are couples more likely to get divorced at some points of the year than others? A recent article in The Street suggested that 2020 and 2021 are more likely to see increased divorce filings as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and more couples realizing that their marriage is not working. At the same time, prior to the pandemic, researchers have investigated potential connections between seasonality and divorce. In particular, some researchers have suggested that January—after the holiday season—is the month in which the most divorce filings occur, while other research has suggested that March and August are the two months in which divorce filings rise. According to an article in The New York Times, divorce can be seasonal, but it need not be seen as entirely seasonal.
People do File for Divorce in January
In most years, there is an uptick in divorce filings in January. The article suggests that there are a couple of reasons for this phenomenon. First, January is a time for reversing bad habits and working toward achieving New Year’s resolutions, which can lead couples to make the decision to change their lives in the New Year when a marriage has not been working for months or even years. The idea for some of these couples, as the articles suggest, may be this: “it’s a new year, new you, new start.” At the same time, January divorces might be popular because they allow married couples—especially those with younger children—to wait until after the holiday season to file for divorce and to break the news to their kids.
However, January is not necessarily the “divorce month” you might think it is. To be sure, in recent years, rates of divorce rose only slightly in January. Accordingly, some researchers suggest that the notion that January is the “divorce month” might be a general idea that does not always have clear data supporting it. In addition, some people might perceive an uptick in January divorce filings simply because divorce filings tend to slow down in November and December.
Researchers Note Divorce Peaks at Other Times of the Year
Some researchers have moved beyond the idea that divorces spike in January, and they have suggested that other months of the year are actually those in which divorce filings peak. For example, one study conducted by researchers at the University of Washington suggested that March and August have more divorce filings than other months.
At the same time, divorce can and does happen year-round. While some months may see slightly higher filing rates, it is most likely that there is no single season when it comes to divorce.
Contact a Divorce Attorney in Michigan
Couples can go through difficult experiences in their marriages at any time of the year, and people file for divorce through all four seasons. While certain periods of the year might see increases in divorce filings, it is important to be sure that you are making the decision that is right for you and that you have assistance from a Michigan divorce attorney. Do not hesitate to get in touch with our firm if you have questions or concerns. Contact the Law Offices of Michael A. Robbins today for more information.
