What are the most common months for divorce?

On Behalf of | Dec 31, 2021 | Family Law

The new year is a time to focus on resolutions for the coming months. For many people, this means making a major life change: filing for divorce.

In legal circles, many people call January the season of divorce, but divorce filings might also peak at other times of the year. Here is what couples should know about the most common months for divorce.

Divorce filings may rise in January

According to MarketWatch, divorce cases may increase as much as 30% in the first month of the year. Though the evidence is mostly anecdotal, people do tend to search online for “divorce” and other relevant terms in the early part of January.

There are several reasons couples might choose January to split up. Many people, particularly those with children, want to wait until after the holidays to avoid casting a shadow over a season that should be happy. Additionally, people often see the new year as a time to start fresh.

March and August could see an increase in filings

A recent study of counties in the state of Washington indicated that divorce filings tended to peak in March and August. August could be particularly attractive for divorcing parents, as it coincides with the start of a new school year.

Many people choose to split up at a time of the year when it will disrupt their lives the least. Though January, March and August may be popular months for divorce, the right time will vary for couples and will depend on their unique circumstances.