What is your New Year’s resolution? To lose weight? Exercise more? Earn more money? Be a nicer person?
What about get a divorce? That does not seem like a fun way to start a new year, but January is known as Divorce Month. This is likely because of the holidays. Many couples consider divorce later on in the year, but try to get through the holidays one last time, especially if children are involved. Holidays can be stressful even when a marriage is happy, so when two people are truly unhappy, the stress from the holidays just makes things worse. Many people have New Year’s goals that involve getting their personal lives in order, and this often means ending their marriages. So, once Christmas is over and New Year’s Day rolls around, people are ready to call their divorce lawyer and call it quits.
The holidays often bring joy, and the fun that comes with family get-togethers, presents, good food, lights, and decorations can sometimes make a person feel like they can make their marriage work. But once the holidays are over and it is time to come back to reality — i.e. go back to work, get the kids back to school and deal with marital stress — couples find that they continue to have the same problems.
Couples also prefer to file for divorce due to tax issues. They no longer want to file taxes together, so they file for divorce early on in the year so they can file one last joint tax return together.
January is a great time to reflect back on the previous year and get rid of the stress that you endured. Divorce is a great way to do so. Here are some other reasons why the beginning of a year may be the best time to divorce.
It is a Good Time to Set Goals
As mentioned earlier, for the new year, many people set goals related to weight loss and exercise. It is also a good time to set relationship-related goals, such as feeling happier about yourself. If you are constantly stressed out over your marriage, then you are not being kind to yourself. It is never too late to start feeling good about yourself, so why not start in 2021? Take this opportunity to set new goals and do things that you could never do before because of your partner.
Endings Lead to New Beginnings
The end of 2020 can lead to a better 2021. Actually, many people are hoping for this, as 2020 has not exactly been the best year. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to joblessness, business closures, financial issues, relationship issues, and much more. In fact, the quarantine has caused many couples to pursue divorces already.
The beginning of a new year can mean a new beginning in your life. It is a great time for a fresh start. While your relationship may be over, your life does not have to be. You can spend the year focusing on dissolving your marriage rather than working in vain on a relationship that is stressful and not giving you any joy
It Can Mark a Milestone
By the end of the year, you may be noticing how bad your marriage really is. This can be devastating, but you can turn things around at the beginning of the year. By starting your divorce proceedings after New Year’s Day, you can see how much better things will be by the end of the year. Hopefully you will get to celebrate your next New Year’s Eve by being free of your relationship.
It is a Time to Reflect
A new year is a good time to get rid of what is not working, and this can include a relationship. Start the new year by reflecting on the previous year. You should have a goal of making yourself happy. If you are scared about moving forward with a divorce, find out what is holding you back. If you think your marriage can be saved, then by all means find ways to save it. But if you are truly done with the relationship, stop wasting your time and move forward as you start the new year.
It is a Time to Celebrate
Why do you think so many people show up to Times Square in New York on New Year’s Eve to watch the ball drop? Because it is an exciting way to ring in the new year. As the ball drops, we move from one year to another. It is a time to celebrate. Out with the old and in with the new. It is time to acknowledge that you have been through a tough year with your relationship and it is time to celebrate your new life as a single person.
This can be a lonely time for you, though. A divorce is never easy. Your heart is probably breaking. You are likely feeling emotional about ending your marriage. That is why support and motivation is crucial. Spend time with friends and family members who will support you as you go through the divorce process.
Seek Legal Help
While you can get a divorce any time of the year, January is the start of the calendar year and it can also be the start of a new life for you. If you are considering a divorce, start the year off on the right foot.
Broward County divorce attorney Scott J. Stadler can help you through the divorce process. We have 30 years of experience helping Florida residents end their marriages smoothly. Call (954) 346-6464 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.