Is there a specific time of year during which it’s easier to end your marriage? Splitting up leads to big changes and a disruption to your routine no matter what, but there are a few reasons why the summer months tend to be frequently chosen as a time to initiate divorce.
A study conducted by researchers in the state of Washington found that August is the top month for divorce in the United States. Parents with kids still living at home tend to favor the summer break, because it allows time for the children to get used to the idea as well as get settled into a new home and school, if necessary.
Summer vacations can also represent a “Hail Mary” attempt for couples who have felt estranged for a while. Their expectations may be dashed when the time away together merely serves to further emphasize their differences rather than solve them.
People are also more likely to have affairs in the summertime. Outdoor parties, days at the beach and long, warm nights all provide ample opportunities for infidelity.
Should You Wait Until Next Year?
If you’ve been unhappy in your marriage for a long time, filing for divorce may seem like the only option. It’s worth exploring all of your options, such as marriage counseling, however, before making such a consequential decision. Some choose to give it until the new year, for example, after the holiday season is behind them to make the determination.
On the flip side of that thought process is the idea that dissolving the marriage in the summer months allows enough time before the holiday months for the spouses and their families to get used to the change.
Regardless of which camp you fall into, just because summertime is the official “divorce season,” doesn’t mean you need to make any moves until you’re ready.
Making the Right Decision
Whether you choose to initiate a summer divorce is an entirely personal decision between you and your partner. And the timing should not be dependent on who files for divorce first between the two of you either. California is a no-fault state, meaning that the courts do not take fault into consideration when ruling on matters like child custody, spousal support, and division of property.
Please feel free to schedule a consultation with one of our divorce attorneys if you’d like further clarification on any of the information provided or have questions regarding other areas of family law.