A new year brings new hope. It gives us a sense of feeling renewed and the desire to do-over.  It is a fresh start! A time to refocus, fix what’s broken and get rid of things that don’t work anymore, right? 

No wonder January is called the “Divorce Month.” Many couples feel like starting over in January, which often means coming to an end with their marriage and filing for divorce. Some speculate this is an effect of the Holiday season. Having spent a rough, lonely, sad, and difficult holiday season makes people realize how unhappy there are in their current marriage and hit the “divorce” button. January divorces seem to be also popular among celebrities. Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp, and Ashton Kutcher are just a few of the “Hollywood Elite” that filed for divorce in January.

Recent studies and statistics show that the number of divorces filed in January is one-third higher than usual. According to Google, the search term “divorce” rose an average of 21% from December to January in 2019 and the two prior years. We guess that January has rightfully earned its reputation as “Divorce Month.” However, on a positive note, statistics also show that divorces and marriages, for that matter, are on the decline. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 8% fewer divorces and annulments were filed in 2017 compared to 2007. 

New Year, new you! No, it is not selfish to think about your wellbeing and take good care of yourself, physically and emotionally. However, in regards to your spousal relationship, you only have two choices. You either make it work or get a divorce. Family therapy may help save your marriage and keep your family together. However, many couples fail during the therapy process, and then what? 

Before running to the courthouse and submitting your divorce papers, you need to analyze your particular situation consciously. Find the pros and cons of both choices. It will help you decide what is best for you and your children, if any. Think about the following:

• Can you and your spouse work things out?
• Will professional help keep the family together?
• If children, what’s going to happen to them? How are they going to react to the news? How will a divorce affect them?
• Financially, can you support yourself? Will you need to go back to the workforce?
• Do you have a stable support system to help you through the difficult times of your divorce?

 For other tips read our related blog Staying Together vs. Getting Divorce

Just remember, getting along is not always easy, even with family members, friends, and coworkers. The same applies to your spouse. Working things out might seem like a lot of work and could be a bit stressful, but could be considerably rewarding and could bring you both a lot of happiness. Keep always in mind that a divorce should be your last resort, but in some cases, it could be the best and only final solution.

At Seff & Capizzi Law Group, we regularly assist clients and provide valuable information for those that need assistance in understanding how to approach this particular situation in their own lives.  If you are not sure if getting a divorce or mediation would be the best option for you, please call us at (954) 920-9220.  We have over 40 years of experience and offer a free consultation. Click here for more information about our family law practice and how Seff & Capizzi can help.