Married couples in the U.S. typically seek legal counsel in January about the involved procedures of filing for a divorce, which led the month to become the unofficial “divorce season.”
Unlike in December, which has been dubbed the “engagement month,” divorce inquiries normally increase in January before reaching their peak in the next two months.
Post-Holiday Blues
Kathryn Smerling, a New York City-based psychotherapist, said that couples normally delay their pursuit of divorce until January due to the preceding holidays. Whether the children know something is amiss, their parents try to keep up a happy disposition throughout the festive season.
A reason for the delay involves indecision, as many remain uncertain how to handle child custody and financial issues, according to Smerling. In 2018, divorce may be more common among married couples in the U.S. due to the impending tax reforms by next year. The changes include alimony payments that will no longer be tax-deductible for paying spouses. For this reason, many will try to rush the divorce process to avoid such scenario.
In Colorado, those who plan to file for a dissolution of their marriage may consult with a Denver or Colorado Springs divorce lawyer, particularly when the issue is a complicated one.
The Long Case
While some Americans hurry to finalize their divorce, there are issues that cause it to drag on (and cost more), such as child custody and support, alimony, and division of property and debt. In fact, some issues go on even after you’re long divorced from your spouse. While you may file around January, it could take longer than you expect.
Legal counsel will be one of your first options before filing for a divorce. Have you found a good lawyer? They’re your key to filing a fast and (hopefully) less costly divorce.