Yes, January Really Is “Divorce Month” – and With Good Reason

There is an old joke about January being the month for couples to get divorced, but that joke has its roots in the truth. For a number of reasons, January sees an increased number of couples seeking a divorce, researching family law attorneys, and attempting trial separations, than in almost every other month.

While Maryland seems to have fewer divorces on average than the rest of the country as a whole (2.5 out of every 1,000 in 2014, as opposed to a national average of 3.2 out of every 1,000), our state still sees the uptick in divorce rates in January.

Families tend to stay together “for the kids” through the holidays

School starts in September, Halloween is in October, Thanksgiving happens in November, and Christmas, Hanukah and Kwanza all occur in December. For better or worse, the last four months of every year are filled with family-oriented activities and experiences, which can be stressful for kids and parents alike. For couples who have been considering a divorce, making it through the holidays as a cohesive unit is often very important to them. For some, the added stress of splitting up is too much to think about; for others, it is a shot at one last “family” holiday.

But once January rolls around and the holidays are over, some couples will decide that they should give it another shot – and some people will begin their search for a local divorce lawyer.

Taxes are calculated through the end of the year, so waiting saves money

Divorce – especially for couples with substantial assets – can be an expensive burden. The tax implications alone for a divorcing couple can be complex and overwhelming. For many couples, sticking it out through the end of the year eases those burdens.

This year, however, it could be different. With the passing of the tax plan, couples who are seeking a divorce in Maryland would do well to finalize the proceedings before December 31, 2018. There are a number of deductions that will be lost in 2019, and that could have a bigger effect on your planning strategy than it would have in previous years.

Some people want a new life for their new year

For some, the new year represents a fresh start. For some, that means ending an unhappy, contentious, or even dangerous marriage. They want to start the new year by taking steps to a new life. Couple this with concerns about the holidays and finances, and January becomes a popular month to start the process of divorce.

Whatever your reasons are for ending your marriage, there is one thing that you should do; call an experienced divorce attorney for help. Trying to manage the process on your own can cost you time, money and your peace of mind.

At McCabe Russell, PA, we help clients throughout Maryland seek a better, brighter future. We guide you through the process of preparing for your new life. To speak to one of our attorneys in Fulton, please call 443-812-1435 or fill out this contact form to schedule an appointment. We also maintain offices in Columbia, Rockville and Bethesda.