Divorce Monday: The Holidays’ Last Hurrah

• January 9, 2017
• CLLB Law
• Family Law

Another holiday season has passed. The decorations are put away. The music on the radio is back to normal. The hustle and bustle is practically nonexistent. Of course, the holidays regularly leave behind a few unpleasantries: credit card bills, increased waistline, and… divorce. Yes, filing to end a marriage is an unwelcome remnant that is surprisingly pervasive. It is so common that the first working Monday in January has been referred to as “Divorce Monday.”

Falling on January 9 this year, that inauspicious day marks the beginning of one of the busiest months for initiating divorce proceedings. According to the president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, divorce filings in January rise by one-third more than normal. And the trend isn’t limited to the United States. A poll in the U.K. found that one in five married couples consider separating from their spouses after seeing the holidays through.

There are a few theories as to why this time of the year is so popular. One is that some couples know they are headed for a split before the holidays, but choose to wait until after to act upon it so as not to spoil Christmas for the kids or to be alone on New Year’s Eve. Another is that some people pin their hopes on the holidays, thinking that things will improve if they can make it through. Unrealistic expectations of how the holidays should go can also be a contributing factor. Spouses suddenly have to navigate the stresses of the season while being expected to spend more time together, which can cause disappointment and distance.

Many unhappy couples find themselves comparing their relationship to those of family members and friends, leaving them frustrated and more upset at what they perceive is lacking. Since the New Year is supposed to be a time of new beginnings, some individuals decide that the change they want is to not spend another year – or another holiday season — with their spouse. While no one should stay in a relationship that makes them miserable, it should be balanced with a bit of perspective. The holidays are hard and the perfect families depicted in advertisements are neither real nor attainable.

January can seem a long way from the festivities and warmth that begins with Thanksgiving and continues throughout December. All out of holiday cheer and with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, some people who have been questioning their marriage choose to end the strain. Dissolving a marriage is never easy, but sometimes it is for the best. Everyone has to do what is necessary for themselves, at their own pace, regardless of the date on the calendar.

If you have any questions about this topic, you can find out more by discussing it with one of the divorce attorneys at Church, Langdon, Lopp, Banet Law. We have years of experience helping people and we can help you. Based in New Albany, Indiana, we proudly serve communities throughout Kentucky and Indiana including, but not limited to, Jefferson County, KY; Floyd County, IN; Clark County, IN; and Harrison County, IN. Contact us by calling (812) 725-8224 or using our online form.