Study Finds Divorces Spike in 2 Months Each Year

A new study from the University of Washington in Seattle has found that there are two months in the year that see the highest numbers of divorces nationwide.

According to the study, March and August were the months in which divorce rates tend to spike. Researchers believe it’s no coincidence that these times of the year follow the holiday season and the height of summer, respectively, and that divorce filings may be connected to “domestic rituals” that influence family behaviors and activities.

Finding a Cause

When you think about it, this makes a lot of sense. The winter holiday season and summertime are both points in the year in which filing for divorce almost seems inappropriate. Couples who are facing difficulties in their relationships may see these periods as a chance to reconnect and fix their problems. If that does not happen as expected, they may be more likely to seek an end to their marriages once the busyness of the the holidays and/or summer is over.

Further driving divorces in the spring may be the fact that the holidays can be a very stressful time for some families, placing even greater strain on relationships that might already be fragile. Researchers believe that spouses in an unhappy marriage may finally decide to seek a divorce when the holidays do not live up to their expectations.

Regardless of when you decide to move ahead with a divorce, it can be a stressful process overall, especially if you and your partner have children together. For the guidance and advice you need during this time, meet with an experienced Jacksonville divorce attorney.

Attorney Andrea Jevic contributed to this post.