ST. LOUIS — January is often referred to as “Divorce Month” due to a noticeable increase in divorce filings during this time of year.
Several factors contribute to the spike in divorce filings in January. Many couples delay their decision to separate until after the holiday season to avoid additional stress and expenses. The new year represents a fresh start for many, and financial considerations, such as holiday debt and anticipated tax refunds, also play a role in the timing of divorce proceedings.
“November, December there’s a lot of debt that you’re accumulating for purposes of the holidays,” said attorney, Jonathan Marks. “What does happen in January is you’re looking at it as the beginning of a new year; it’s a reset, and you’re looking at the tax refund that may be forthcoming in a month or two.”
Seasonal affective disorder is another factor that may influence some individuals to consider divorce in January. The stress of the holiday season, combined with existing marital issues, can exacerbate tensions, leading couples to reassess their relationships at the start of the year.
While January is known for a surge in divorce filings, the trend of increased separations continues through March as couples seek to start anew after the holiday season and financial considerations become more manageable.
All facts from this article were gathered by KTVI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KTVI staff.