The holidays are usually associated with heartfelt moments and joyful memories. But, for some couples, the holidays can bring some serious problems.
How have the last few holidays been for you and your spouse?
Seasonal stress, conflicting holiday schedules, and familial pressures can leave couples nearing the end of their rope. When this all piles up, we are often at risk of reaching a breaking point during the winter months.
Orange County divorce rates tend to spike following the holiday season. This isn’t unique to our community. This is fairly prevalent across the country. I get more phone calls in December and January than in any other month. If you and your spouse are seeking a more peaceful approach to divorce, a divorce mediator may be your answer.
Why Orange County Divorce Rates Spike After the Holidays
No wonder January is the unspoken “divorce month.” For years, January has consistently had the highest volumes of divorce – and there are a few reasons for why that may be. One thing’s for certain: the holidays are to blame, but why exactly do these “merry” months bring divorce shortly afterward?
It Keeps the Peace
It’s common for couples to put off divorce until the year is over. You and your spouse may have been struggling all year and split up in the summer, but waited out the holidays to keep the family together one last time. This is especially common among divorcing parents who don’t want to intrude on their children’s school year or put a bad spin on the holidays. Nobody wants to be in the middle of a contentious divorce while holiday shopping for the kids at South Coast Plaza.
The Holidays Bring Hope
Giving thanks and buying gifts for loved ones tends to strike a hopeful chord among potential divorcees. Spouses may be banking on the holidays to naturally make things right, thinking that togetherness will fix the path ahead. But while lighting the tree or the menorah, spreading cheer to the less fortunate, and opening presents may spark a tinge of hope, that magic often dissipates come January.
The Stress of the Season
The holidays are meant to be the most heartwarming stretch of months offered by the year. But in reality, familial pressures and work stress often drive struggling couples to a boiling point. Busy holiday schedules may coincide with family obligations, and sky-high expectations for family gatherings can spark existing marital issues. Financial troubles often exist in marriage, and that holiday shopping and costs to entertain or travel to see family can add to the pressures. As a result, misunderstandings and resentment can ensue – adding more weight to an already heavy situation.
If you’re a parent experiencing a post-holiday divorce in Orange County, we feel your pain. After handling the stress of the holidays, facing divorce can render your shoulders heavy. But instead of exacerbating that pain with costly and time-consuming litigation hearings, consider a more peaceful approach that considers the needs of the entire family: divorce mediation.
Jennifer Owens, Esq.: Orange County Divorce Mediator
At the Law Offices of Jennifer Owens, we revel in the power of choice. When spouses face divorce, they’re presented with a slew of decisions with a handful of potential outcomes. Our attorneys are believers in the best possible outcome, where a former couple chooses peace over destruction so that they can finally move on to their next chapter. No matter your desired path – mediation, a negotiated settlement, or even litigation – The Law Offices of Jennifer Owens will help you achieve the best possible outcome by reaching a settlement that keeps all involved parties in mind. Visit our website to review our family law services, or contact us online for a free consultation.