The beginning of a new year (January) brings a lot of hope and optimism; however, it can also cause challenges for some couples. Divorce is a significant event, and most couples do not prepare for a separation. During a divorce, separating couples will have to figure out the following issues:
- Financial problems
- Living arrangements
- Child support
- Child custody
- Property division
Many people decide to file divorce paperwork in January. There are a few possible reasons for this. Many people view the beginning of a new year as a time for change and growth. For someone who feels unhappy in their marriage, this may feel like the right time to move on and start fresh.
Additionally, the end of the holiday season may contribute to the increase in divorce rates. Some people genuinely feel happier during the holiday season. Once the positivity fades, they might reflect on their relationship and decide that it is time to take another route. Others might not feel so happy, but may decide to keep the marriage together until after the holidays. This is often due to family obligations or a feeling that a divorce could impact the holidays, especially if children are involved.
Divorce Statistics
Divorce is very common. It is estimated that 40 to 50 percent of marriages in the United States end in divorce. The number is considerably higher for second and third marriages than it is for first marriages. According to data from the U.S. Government Accountability Office, on average, women’s household incomes drop by 41 percent after divorce. Statistics help people understand the leading causes of divorce and why divorce is common. In most years, the highest number of divorce filings took place in January.
What Causes Divorce?
The decision to divorce may result from a variety of factors. It is not something that married couples intend to happen from the beginning, but there are common issues that run a high risk of leading down the path of divorce. Personal reasons for choosing a divorce may be financial or emotional based, or they may relate to family and child custody issues. Reasons for divorce are situational and specific to each case. However, common reasons for divorce include:
Marital Infidelity: Infidelity or cheating is a common cause of divorce. Cheating is something that many couples, married or not, struggle to move on from. For many couples, a separation may seem like the only way to move forward.
Conflicting Parenting Styles: Raising children is challenging. When parents cannot agree on how to raise their children, it can increase tension and cause real problems for the marriage. This can include factors like religion, what school to attend, family activities, and child behaviors.
Career Issues: Separate career paths can take two spouses in opposite directions. This could lead to stress on living arrangements and time management. It can also lead to divorce.
Outside Influences: If one spouse does not get along with the other one’s family, this can put a real strain on the marriage.
What are the Signs of an Upcoming Divorce?
Divorce is never the plan when couples get married. Some may think that their marriage is too strong and that it could not possibly end in separation. While a divorce is not something typically expected, it does not usually without reason. There are typically some indicators of divorce. Sometimes, the signs may be obvious; other times, the clues may be more subtle. It can be helpful to know some of the signs that indicate a problem but often go unnoticed. Here are some very common signs that a marriage could be moving in the direction of divorce:
- Lack of or poor communication
- Disagreement about children
- Spending less time together
- Lack of effort put into the marriage
- Infidelity
- Lack of respect
- Lack of intimacy
If one decides to pursue a divorce, they should speak to a lawyer. A lawyer can prepare the paperwork and ensure that their client’s rights are protected throughout the divorce process.
Baltimore Divorce Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Help Clients with Divorce Issues Year Round
If you get a divorce in January, or any other time of the year, one of our compassionate Baltimore divorce lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC can help you to understand your rights. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 443-589-0150 today. Located in Hunt Valley and Towson, Maryland, we serve clients throughout Baltimore, Baltimore County, Bel Air, Bentley Springs, Columbia, Freeland, Hereford, Hampton, Westminster, Essex, Monkton, Sparks Glencoe, Parkton, Phoenix, Pikesville, White Hall, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County.
