why january is a busy time for divorce lawyers
2 mins reading time
January has become known by some as “Divorce Month”, due to the trend witnessed by many family lawyers and others assisting separating couples who separated and sought legal advice shortly after the Christmas tree has been put away and the new calendar year begins.
Although the Australian Institute of Family Studies has confirmed a spike of about 30% in their relationship breakdown figures for January, and counselling and mediation services are apparently also busy then, there has been little research to determine why more relationships end during the month of January. Sadly, the festive period sees police and family violence support services kept busy as well, with more call-outs for family violence incidents than any other time of year.
While every relationship is unique, we have noticed that some people, especially those with children, have considered separation earlier in the year and decided to wait until the school year ended and then until the holiday period ended to end the relationship. Others have said although they had been considering the state of their marriage during the year, the holiday period provided them an opportunity to re-evaluate their marriage and make a resolution to conclude it early in the new year.
Others have suggested infidelity, more alcohol and arguments than usual, more time together than usual and fewer regular children’s activities, and increased financial stress are factors that got them thinking more about their futures and played a role in deciding to conclude their relationships.
The end of a relationship can be a rocky road. If you would like advice about your rights regarding property division, spousal maintenance, child support or parenting matters, one of our expert family lawyers can guide you.
The information contained in this article is general in nature and cannot be relied on as legal advice nor does it create an engagement. Please contact one of our lawyers listed above for advice about your specific situation.
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why january is a busy time for divorce lawyers
January has become known by some as “Divorce Month”, due to the trend witnessed by many family lawyers and others assisting separating couples who separated and sought legal advice shortly after the Christmas tree has been put away and the new calendar year begins.
Although the Australian Institute of Family Studies has confirmed a spike of about 30% in their relationship breakdown figures for January, and counselling and mediation services are apparently also busy then, there has been little research to determine why more relationships end during the month of January. Sadly, the festive period sees police and family violence support services kept busy as well, with more call-outs for family violence incidents than any other time of year.
While every relationship is unique, we have noticed that some people, especially those with children, have considered separation earlier in the year and decided to wait until the school year ended and then until the holiday period ended to end the relationship. Others have said although they had been considering the state of their marriage during the year, the holiday period provided them an opportunity to re-evaluate their marriage and make a resolution to conclude it early in the new year.
Others have suggested infidelity, more alcohol and arguments than usual, more time together than usual and fewer regular children’s activities, and increased financial stress are factors that got them thinking more about their futures and played a role in deciding to conclude their relationships.
The end of a relationship can be a rocky road. If you would like advice about your rights regarding property division, spousal maintenance, child support or parenting matters, one of our expert family lawyers can guide you.