Why September is the busiest time of the year for divorce lawyers
More than 40% of marriages end in divorce with September being one of the most common time for couples to separate. We explore why September is the busiest time of the year for divorce lawyers.
With the children back to school and feeling fresh and revitalised after the summer holidays, one might think September was a positive and optimistic time for couples. Whilst it can be for some, September can be a turbulent time for many couples and is a popular time of the year for spouses to file for divorce.
Giving up the struggle
As the Independent states, September is one of the busiest months for divorce lawyers. Returning to 'normality' and everyday routines, it is not uncommon for spouses to finally give up the struggle of pretending to be a 'normal' and happy family. Following the holidays, finances can also be a concern for many couples.
Money worries
Arguing about money is one of the top predictors of divorce. A study titled "Examining the Relationship Between Financial Issues and Divorce" published in the 2012 Family Relations Journal, looked at data from more than 4,500 couples. The research concluded that disagreements about finances were typically longer and more intense that other marital arguments.
Jeffry Dew, co-author of the paper suggests that arguments about money are actually representative of deeper relationship issues.
"It may be that fights about money are actually fights about deeper issues in the relationship - power, trust, etc. If these deep issues in the relationship are problematic, then these couples may be more likely to divorce". Dew told the Huffington Post.
The pressures of the summer holidays can push couples to breaking point
When children are off school and couples feel compelled to go on holiday, family finances can be stretched to the limit. Similar to January, September is a month when post-holiday spending is evaluated. When couples realise how much they have spent during the summer it can push fragile relationships to breaking point.
Jane Robey, of the family charity National Family Mediation says there are three major factors that transgress couples from a difficult relationship to an unworkable one during the summer. These factors are, according to Robey:
- The fact families spend more time together than normal in close proximity
- Due to changes in established routines
- .The expenses of going on holiday and activities to keep the family entertained
"The long summer holiday will be the fin been strained for some time, relationships have been strained for some time", added Robey.
The family charity worker added that as the summer holiday goes on, mediators also expect to see more and more couples who are already divorced or separated seeking to change the arrangement imposed on them by a family court.
Divorce January
January is another popular month for divorce. According to a report in the Daily Mail, 1.8million couples row during the festive season. A poll of 1,000 participants were asked what caused marital tension over Christmas. Financial pressures, too much alcohol, disparities with the in-laws and disagreements about chores were among the leading causes of couples arguing during the Christmas break.
If you have any concerns, issues or questions related to separation and divorce and would like some professional yet friendly advice, give Tracey Miller Family Law a call, specialists in divorce and family law.