Many unhappily married couples who have just been going through the motions in their marriages decide to finally pull the plug on their doomed relationships in January. Why is that?
Part of it can be attributed to the strain of the holidays being that proverbial straw breaking the back of the marital camel. But there are other reasons why filing for divorce in January resonates with so many couples.
It truly offers a fresh start
New year, newly single you. If your marriage has irretrievably broken down, the desire to enter 2024 unfettered can be the impetus for you to file for divorce. Of course, this is a major life decision that should be carefully weighed and not done rashly or in a fit of pique.
There can be tax advantages
While you should always ask your tax adviser first, some people may find tax advantages in filing singly. This can also work in the reverse, however, and it must also be decided who claims any minor children or dependents so be strategic in your decision on how and when to file.
You won’t associate the ending of your marriage with the holidays
Many people regret filing over the winter holidays simply because their divorce filing date becomes a permanent reminder of an unhappy time in their lives. Waiting until after the holidays have passed can be psychologically beneficial to you and your children by not being associated with the trauma of divorce and/or separation.
Is January a good time for you to end your marriage? Only you can make that determination, but you should learn as much as you can about the divorce laws in Florida and how they affect your particular circumstances before making a decision.