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One study by the University of Washington found that divorce filings consistently spiked each year in August and March – following the summer and winter holidays, respectively.
Approaching the summer and winter holidays can be a time of hope and raised expectations. Couples may make plans to spend quality time together or mend conflicts in their relationship by going on a trip or including extended family members in holiday celebrations – whether that involves a Memorial Day barbeque or Christmas gatherings. But summertime, which can come with disruptions to a couple’s routine, and winter holidays, which are often emotionally charged and rife with external stressors, can end up exposing rifts in the relationship instead.
Couples with children may file for divorce in August after family vacation and before their kids start a new year of school. Meanwhile, spring’s longer days and increased activity levels may motivate couples to act in March, especially as they consider their finances for tax season.
Even though this study was carried out in Washington, the researchers examined various other states and found similar patterns across the board. California couples likely face some of the same seasonality when it comes to filing for separation and divorce.
Why Do Divorce Rates Spike in the Summer?
Several factors can contribute to the seasonality of separation and divorce. Understanding these underlying reasons can help you better prepare for and navigate the challenges that may arise following a post-summer or winter holiday separation.
1. More Time Spent Together
Both the summer and winter holidays often mean more time spent together as families take vacations and children stay home from school. While these periods can offer a time for greater bonding, they can also amplify underlying issues in a marriage. The increased togetherness can bring unresolved conflicts to the forefront, leading couples to reconsider their relationship.
2. Planning and Preparation
Many couples choose to wait until after a significant holiday or the end of the summer to file for divorce. Summer actually provides a natural break, allowing families with children to avoid disrupting their kids’ academic schedules. Parents have more time to plan and prepare for the logistical and emotional challenges of a separation during these periods.
3. Financial Considerations
Tax refunds and other financial benefits received earlier in the year may provide the necessary resources over the summer for couples to afford the costs associated with a divorce. Bonuses paid out over the winter holidays or the end of the year can also offer financial stability for couples to consider separating by the time March comes around.
4. Emotional Reflection
Both the new year and the start of summer often prompt reflection on personal happiness and life goals. Changes in routine can lead individuals to reevaluate their relationships, see new possibilities, and make big decisions about their future. These periods of disruption and introspection can become catalysts for pursuing a separation or divorce.
5. Child Custody and Visitation
For couples with children, summer provides a less disruptive time to address child custody and visitation agreements. With children out of school, parents have the flexibility to establish new routines and ensure a smoother transition for their kids. Even for divorces filed in March, the following summer is a practical time to initiate more significant changes.
Understanding the Emotional Impact of a Summer Separation
As families navigate a seasonal separation, it’s important to understand and address the unique emotional dynamics that can come with a summer or post-winter holiday divorce.
1. Disruption of Traditions and Routines
Summer is often filled with family traditions, vacations, trips, and relaxed routines. The winter holidays typically come with similar expectations and extended family time.
The disruption of these cherished activities can evoke strong feelings of loss and sadness, both for the separating couple and any children they have. Parents and children alike may struggle with sudden changes in plans and the redefinition of what summer means for their family. The same holds true for the traditions and rituals associated with the winter holidays.
2. Heightened Emotional Sensitivity
The anticipation of a carefree summer or an exciting holiday season can clash with the reality of a separation, leading to heightened emotional sensitivity. The contrast between the expected joy of summer or the holidays and the stress of a separation can cause increased anxiety, frustration, and sadness for all family members involved.
3. Child-Centric Concerns
Children are often at the heart of emotional concerns during a separation. The lack of school structure and the increased time at home over summer break and the holidays can make kids more acutely aware of the changes in their family dynamics. Parents must be prepared to offer support and reassurance during this time to help their children navigate their emotions.
4. Isolation and Loneliness
Both the winter holidays and the summer months can exacerbate feelings of isolation and loneliness for those going through a separation. Social activities and gatherings that were once shared with a spouse may now serve as painful reminders of the relationship’s end. It’s important to seek out supportive friends and family members or consider joining support groups to help work through these feelings and minimize their impact on your life.
5. Opportunities for Personal Growth
Despite the emotional challenges, summer separations can also provide an opportunity for personal growth, self-reflection, and building healthier habits. Changes in routine can lead to exploring new interests, strengthening your own individual resilience, and establishing a renewed sense of self. Embracing this period of transition with a positive mindset can foster healing and personal development for yourself and your kids.
6. The Importance of Professional Support
Aside from a trustworthy divorce lawyer who can handle the nuances of your separation with sensitivity and understanding, engaging with a professional therapist or counselor can be invaluable during a summer or holiday separation. These experts can offer coping strategies, emotional support, and personal guidance to help you and your family navigate the complex emotions you’re going through as a result of your separation.
At Moradi Saslaw, our legal team’s holistic approach to divorce involves getting you the full spectrum of support that your family needs to thrive, even after a separation.
What Other Seasons Can Impact Separation and Divorce?
While summer is a notable time for an increase in divorce filings, other seasons also significantly impact separation and divorce. Understanding these seasonal trends can help individuals and families better navigate the timing and emotional dynamics of their separation.
1. The Winter Holidays
The period around the winter holidays, from Thanksgiving through Christmas and New Year’s, is often seen as a critical time for marriages.
The stress of holiday preparations, financial pressures, and the expectation of joyful family gatherings can exacerbate underlying marital issues. Many couples delay filing for divorce until after the holiday season to avoid disrupting family traditions and to provide a sense of normalcy for their children during the festive periods. This explains the spike in divorce filings in March, when couples have had enough time to make a decision after the holiday season.
2. The Post-Holiday Surge
January marks the start of the post-holiday separation surge. After the holiday season, individuals considering divorce may feel a renewed resolve to start fresh in the new year. This desire for a fresh start, coupled with the conclusion of holiday pressures, often leads to a spike in divorce filings in the first few months of the year, culminating in March.
3. Financial and Tax Considerations
Tax season in the spring can also influence the timing of a divorce. Couples may wait until they’ve filed their taxes jointly one last time or until they’ve received their tax refunds before initiating divorce proceedings – in many cases, just in time for the summer.
Each season brings its own unique set of challenges and considerations for couples contemplating divorce. In the end, no specific time may be “perfect” for such a major transition.
At Moradi Saslaw, our California divorce lawyers understand the importance of timing and the seasonal dynamics that can impact your separation. Our experienced legal team is here to provide the knowledgeable guidance and compassionate support that you need, no matter the time of year. Contact us now to discuss the best options for your family moving forward.
