According to a recent report, the number of divorce filings is highest between January and March of each year. The rate of filings begins to spike in January, reaching a peak in February and March. It is a fact that given the option, most people choose to wait until after the holidays to institute any type of legal proceeding; and with divorce, this is even truer. A part of the reason for the spike in numbers is because many people simply put off divorce until after the New Year. Holidays can also be stressful, and for couples with problems communicating, this can really bring the fact that a marriage is over into clear focus.
Often when people reach out to a divorce lawyer after the New Year, they simply want to gather information. They may be wondering, what would happen to my children if I file for divorce? Where would I live? Would I get (or have to make) alimony payments? Once they get some answers to these basic questions, it can help them decide if they are ready to commit to the decision to get a divorce. Because divorce can be an expensive and emotionally challenging process, it is important to consult an experienced family law lawyer and consider all options before serving divorce papers.
Deciding to Divorce
All couples argue, but how do you know if a divorce is the best option for you and your family? One sign that a marriage is in trouble is when partners stop talking. Many couples experience a total cease in communication prior to filing for divorce. They stop raising issues and concerns, and frequently, are indifferent about the fact that they are no longer talking to one another.
Continued disputes over money can also spell trouble. It is one of the primary things couples fight about. It is not uncommon in divorce situations that one spouse is hiding money, making big decisions without consulting the other partner, or buying big ticket items for themselves only (such as a luxury car or boat). Another common financial issue is when one partner is overspending and creating a lot of marital debt, without the other partner’s consent. This is commonly referred to as financial infidelity.
Another problem happens when marital expectations do not align with reality. For example, if one spouse believed that both spouses would continue working after having children, but one ultimately decides to stay home, this can create tension, distrust, and resentment. A lack of intimacy over a prolonged period of time could also not align with one (or both) partner’s expectation of what the marriage would be like.
West Chester Divorce Lawyers at Eckell Sparks Represent Clients Filing for Divorce After the Holidays
If you are just coming out of a stressful holiday season, and are considering your options moving forward, you are not alone. An experienced West Chester divorce lawyer at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. is available to answer your questions. To learn more, call us today at 610-565-3701 or contact us online to schedule your confidential consultation. With offices located in West Chester and Media, Pennsylvania, we represent clients throughout Delaware County and Chester County.