It seems like March is not just the time when flowers are blooming and the weather starts warming up, March also seems to be the most popular month to divorce your spouse.

According to research by FindLaw.com, the number of couples that file for divorce spikes in January and continues to rise until peaking in late March.
Mark Ohnstad, an attorney with the Minneapolis law firm Thomsen Nybeck, offers an explanation as to why this time of year is the most common for divorce filings.

“While they’ve [couples] been thinking about divorce for some time, and taking steps such as obtaining marital counseling to save their marriage, many men and women may put off their decision to file to avoid additional stress during the holiday season,” explained Ohnstad. “Couples with children may want to have one last holiday season together as a family.”

Another reason that couples delay filing for divorce until after the holidays is for tax purposes. Ohnstad explains that a person’s marital status as of December 31 determines whether they will file a joint or an individual return. Those who file joint returns will save a lot more money, which is enough of an incentive for some people to stay together.

Furthermore, divorces tend to occur more frequently after the holiday season because spouses have a higher tendency of cheating during the holiday season and their partners either find out on their own afterward or are told the truth once the holidays are over. According to a study on holiday depression, of those who cheat on their spouses, 56 percent of men and 42 percent of women do so during the holiday season. Whether it’s because of stress, lack of connecting during the holiday season or any other reason, people tend to reach out during this time.

No matter what the time of year, a divorce is a life-changing and difficult process to undergo. If you have considered filing for divorce, turn to a leading team of divorce attorneys right away. Divorce attorneys help you split up property and assets, determine child custody and child support, and also help you with alimony, guardianship, wills and trusts. They will make sure your case ends with the best possible outcome.

Call a divorce attorney in your area today to file a case.