While March starts the beginning of the beautiful season of spring, many couples are also starting the difficult process of divorce.
In analyzing divorce filings between 2008 and 2011, the legal information databases FindLaw.com and Westlaw, found that divorces spike in January, continue to rise in February, and ultimately peak in March. FindLaw.com also analyzed its online searches and reported that terms such as “Divorce,” “Child Custody” and “Family Law” have risen 50 percent during the past three months. Another legal site, AVVO.com, reported a 40 percent increase in family law related searches following Valentines Day.
The increase in divorces can be explained by the end of the holiday season. Many couples may decide they are unhappy in their marriage before or during the holidays but choose to stick it out for the kids or a result of anticipating spending time with family. In January, a spouse may decide divorce is inevitable, February the spouse researches, and in March they finally file. With spring comes the promise of new life and can tip a spouse over the edge to make that first step filing for divorce.
Another explanation for the March spike, according to FindLaw.com, is the high holiday stress and depression leading to holiday season cheating. These holiday affairs lead to early spring divorce proceedings.
Filing for divorce is an important decision. The knowledgeable attorneys at Appelman Law are available to answer any questions or concerns regarding your family law issue. Contact us today to assist with your legal needs.