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Do Divorce Rates Increase in the Summer?

Florida divorce attorney

According to a 2016 research study conducted by a sociology professor at the University of Washington, more couples file for divorce in March and August than any other months of the year. With August upon us, you may find yourself in that position as well. Although the study didn’t set out to determine seasonal patterns to divorce, the results were so overwhelming that they were difficult to ignore. The patterns persisted even when the researcher accounted for such things as the housing market and unemployment, which also tend to spike during certain seasons.

Holidays and Summer Vacations Delay Divorce Filings

Even when couples have had irreparable issues for months or years, both parties tend to avoid initiating a divorce during the Christmas and Hanukah holidays as well as when children are out of school for the summer. One reason for this is that even troubled couples view these times of the year as important family time. They may want to try to make some good memories for their children before the inevitable occurs. Couples may also hope that spending extra time together alone or together as a family may bring them closer together.

Holidays are fraught with expectations even in the healthiest of families. They bring out the optimism in couples that maybe this year will be different. The whole family will spend a long vacation together in the summer and everything will be fine. These times of the year often fill people with the expectation of new beginnings, a transition to a happier time of life, or just the novelty of something different from everyday life. Another thing to consider is that it’s socially unacceptable to file for divorce during what people assume should be happy family times.

Unfortunately, the expectations placed on holidays and vacations are often too high and both the husband and wife end up feeling disappointed, disillusioned, and resentful. They now realize the marriage is beyond repair and one of them proceeds with filing divorce papers.

Other Reasons Why Divorces Peak in the Late Summer

Couples who have children together may want to start the divorce proceedings before the school year begins so the entire family can fall into a new routine as quickly as possible. The reason for the higher number of divorces in August as opposed to the rest of the summer is often financial. The couple may have realized after a particularly stressful family vacation in early June that it was no longer working for them but needed a few months to arrange their finances before considering divorce.

Summertime tends to increase the desire in both men and women to become more active and get in shape if they need to. Accomplishing this goal makes them feel better about themselves and want more out of life. They may look at their partner and realize that they have felt miserable in the marriage for years. There’s a realization that time is passing quickly and that staying with their partner may not be the healthiest choice for them in the long run.

Are You Considering Filing for Divorce or Have You Received Papers from Your Spouse?

No matter what time of year it happens or the reasons for it, going through a divorce is never easy. This is true whether you initiated it yourself or you must respond to dissolution papers from your spouse. When you add minor children into the mix, things can become complicated and emotionally charged in a hurry.

Crystal Collins Spencer, Attorney at Law, understands that you’re in a difficult position. As an attorney specializing in family law for more than 30 years, Ms. Collins Spencer has handled numerous complex and high net worth divorce cases for both husbands and wives. She is honored to have earned a rating as AV Preeminent from Martindale Hubbell. This organization recognizes attorneys who display exceptional ethics, professionalism, and legal knowledge.

If you’re facing divorce, don’t try to figure out issues such as division of assets and debts, child support, and child custody on your own. Contact Crystal Collins Spencer, Attorney at Law, instead to request your free legal consultation.

316 S. Baylen Street, Suite 520
Pensacola, FL 32502
Telephone: 850.912.8080 Fax: 850.912.8028

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