Divorce and the New Year

A new year leads to new life resolutions, which may include making the difficult decision to end your marriage.

Going through the breakup of a marriage is often a long and arduous process. You may have tried to work things out only to find that the relationship is irretrievably broken. If you are experiencing marital difficulties or currently involved in a separation, your plans for the new year may involve taking the actions needed to file for a divorce. If so, it is important to realize you are not alone. For a variety of reasons, after the holidays is often the best time to make this type of important life change.

Advantages of Filing for Divorce in the New Year

Couples are often reluctant to dampen the holiday season for their families by airing their marital problems, but the new year presents an opportunity to honestly assess the situation. With the pressure of keeping up appearances at holiday gatherings gone, you may find yourself more determined to put the past behind you, including a marriage that is no longer working, and begin the new year fresh.

For this reason, January is often a busy time for couples seeking to end their marriages. According to Forbes, so many people end up contacting family law attorneys to discuss their options that the first business day of the year is often referred to as ‘divorce Monday.’ Among the advantages of choosing to file for divorce at this time of year are:

The opportunity for a fresh start: The new year is a time for making resolutions regarding your personal health, finances, and overall happiness. Ending a marriage that no longer works may play a major role in making positive changes in all areas of your life.
Time after the holiday rush: The months of November and December are often incredibly busy with holiday obligations, leaving you little time to prioritize your personal affairs. As things slow down in January, it presents the perfect time to focus on yourself and your home situation.
Finances are settled: Under the Tennessee Statutes, all property and assets accumulated during your marriage are divided between you and your spouse. End of the year statements provide a clear picture in terms of total income, savings, investments, and benefits, which can benefit you in any divorce related settlements.

Before Filing for Divorce

If you are considering getting a divorce as part of your New Year’s resolutions, there are some important steps you can take now to be better prepared. These include:

Make a list of all jointly owned property, including homes, vehicles, and personal items;
Open individual accounts to reestablish your credit;
Create a budget, with realistic figures regarding housing and other items;
If you have children, consider what kind of custody arrangements would suit you and them best.

Reach Out to Our Manchester Divorce Attorneys

At the Law Offices of Burch, Morrison, & Stewart, we provide the trusted legal guidance you need when making major life changes. To discuss your options, contact our Manchester divorce attorneysand request a confidential consultation today.