Considering a Divorce in the New Year? You’re Not Alone

Considering a Divorce in the New Year? You’re Not Alone

Statistics generally support the long-held belief that divorces surge from January through March. They call January “divorce month” for a reason. While it is not so much that the new year inspires divorce, it is more a matter of people being better prepared to take on an endeavor of this magnitude after the holidays are behind them and a fresh year stretches ahead. Whatever your reasoning – or your timing – speaking with an experienced Illinois divorce attorney sooner rather than later is well advised. 

The Timing of Your Divorce

If you are holding off on consulting with a dedicated divorce attorney until after the holidays – because who wants to intermingle divorce with holiday memories – you’re very likely not doing yourself any favors. The truth of the matter is that, if you have already made the difficult decision that divorce is right for you, the holidays are not going to change this hard truth, and getting a start on your divorce prep now can save you considerable time and effort moving forward. 

Ultimately, you are not required to even tell your spouse that you have taken the preliminary step of consulting with a divorce attorney, and not doing so can work to your advantage. The sooner you formulate a strategy with your dedicated divorce attorney and begin gathering the necessary financial documentation, which is a primary component of every divorce, the better prepared you’ll be to move forward when the right time to file comes. 

The Reason for the Season

Studies indicate that couples have a greater tendency to head toward divorce in the new year for all of the following reasons:

• The stress of the holidays acts as the final straw. 
• Couples with children often want to salvage the holidays for their children.
• Many couples wait to ensure they can file their taxes for the year jointly. 
• A holiday bonus can make divorce seem more doable, but it can also mean losing half of your bonus in the equitable distribution of your marital property.
• The new year is associated with getting down to business, and many people feel better prepared to face challenges they’ve been avoiding. 

Whatever the reason, there is no doubt that January is the kickoff to what has come to be known as divorce season. 

Making the Decisions that Are Right for You

There is a lot to consider when it comes to divorce, and an experienced divorce attorney can help you better understand your option, the tax implications of filing now as opposed to waiting for the new year, and any other ramifications that you may not even have considered. Even if you go with filing after the holidays, taking some prep time upfront can prove enormously beneficial. 

Seek the Legal Guidance of an Experienced Illinois Divorce Attorney Today

If you recognize that you need a divorce, don’t wait to seek the legal guidance you need from the accomplished Illinois divorce attorneys at the SAM LAW OFFICE, LLC. We understand the unique nature of your divorce and are committed to helping you make the right decisions for you. To learn more, please don’t wait to contact us today.