With the end of the holiday season, we enter the beginning of a new one – the season of divorce.
January, The Divorce Month
January has been widely considered the “divorce month” due to the consistent divorce filings every first Monday of the year (“Divorce Monday”). Lasting until early March, we can experience over a 25% increase in divorce filings during these months. “Why?” you may think, the answer is quite simple, the holidays. Many unhappy couples refuse to end their marriage during the holiday season. It doesn’t bode well to file for divorce on Christmas Eve. Most couples wanting a divorce will wait until the new year to arrange their divorce proceedings. Families think it is only suitable to give their kids one more holiday season, where their family is intact.
Alternative to Divorce
We can all feel a little overwhelmed at the end of the year. If you too are overwhelmed and considering divorce but are unsure, you might want to try legal separation first. Legal separation is a fantastic alternative to divorce, as it can provide a much-needed “break” to struggling couples. Legal separation also keeps each spouse’s legal rights protected.
Legal Separation
A married couple is still considered “together” during a legal separation. This allows them to live separately while retaining any legal rights to child custody and properties. Legal separation also works for spouses to maintain health care benefits or other rights.
Legal Protection
Should you choose to separate, signing a formal legal separation is an intelligent way to protect yourself during a separation. This agreement legally enforces the rights of both couples, including child support, visitation, property division, and spousal support, should the divorce proceedings commence.
If You Decide to Divorce
In many cases, a legal separation does end in a divorce. If this is the option you decide to follow, you will want to know how to get a divorce. The steps necessary to obtain a divorce depend on your relationship’s particulars. If the couple has been married for a short period of time, have no children and little property will likely be less involved than a couple that has been married for a long period of time, share children, and have significant property to be divided. Also, a partner that does not want to divorce could respond in ways that could prolong the process. If a couple can agree to the divorce process, it can go along quicker and smoother.
Work with a Divorce Team
Divorce rates during January skyrocket, and if you are among the many that wish to exit marital status, call an expert family law attorney today to receive a free consultation on your case. The Family Law Attorneys at Burton law are here to help guide you through the complexities and overwhelming burden of property division, child support, child custody, alimony, and more.
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