For many people, the start of a New Year is a time to take stock of their lives and set priorities for the future. Occasionally, an individual’s goals may require major changes to their current circumstances.
Some attorneys and social researchers refer to January as “divorce month.” This nickname comes from the annual increase in initial consultations with divorce attorneys that occurs in the first month of the year. People who understand the “divorce month” phenomenon can take appropriate steps to secure the brighter future that they envision for themselves.
What inspires January consultations?
As mentioned above, many people set New Year’s resolutions related to their happiness or their finances. Others may set goals involving their health. People evaluating their lives sometimes reach the uncomfortable conclusion that their spouses hold them back from achieving their financial goals, negatively affect their health or simply do not support their dreams.
The process of reviewing the last year and thinking about the future can inspire some people to consider divorce. For others, the holidays may be what led to a January divorce consultation. Dissatisfaction with their spouse’s conduct or a desire to wait until after the holidays for the sake of their children can lead to a January divorce consultation.
Anyone who is contemplating a divorce needs to take steps to prepare for the process ahead. A consultation in January is often the beginning of a process that could last most of the year or even longer.
What preparations are necessary?
Preparing for divorce often begins with collecting financial records. Individuals need tax returns, ownership documents and other critical paperwork. They may need to create an inventory of physical assets. Obtaining those records during divorce can be more challenging, so securing them in advance is often beneficial. Having personal copies of key records can also help people identify signs of financial misrepresentation and manipulation during the disclosure process of actual divorce proceedings.
After gathering records, people may then want to schedule a legal consultation. An attorney can educate them about the laws and prior court rulings that may apply in their case. They can also provide guidance about additional preparation, timing and strategy.
Realizing that a new year can be an opportunity to pursue a better life can inspire many people to consider divorce. Spouses who want to improve their health, happiness or finances sometimes reach the difficult decision that the end of a marriage is the best or maybe only way to achieve their goals.