January is informally known as ‘Divorce Month’ as divorce filings increase by 33% during this time. The main reasons for this are holiday stress, the desire for a fresh start in the new year, and financial convenience.
This sounds a bit strange to say, but it is true. Do you know what? The first month of every year, i.e. January, is called ‘Divorce Month’. This is not an announcement made by the world or India. But, if we look at the statistics of divorces throughout the year, it is surprising that most of the divorces take place in January only. At the beginning of every new year, the New Year celebration on social media starts with the word ‘I’. It is full of slogans like ‘New Year, New Year Resolutions’. Amidst the decisions to bring new changes in life, many couples unknowingly choose the path of divorce as a way to do something new. For this reason, January is informally known as Divorce Month in legal circles.
On one hand there is celebration of new hopes, while on the other hand family courts are filled with divorce petitions. The surprising thing is that most of the divorce petitions are filed in January itself. Because this happens every year, the first month of the year has become a victim of this infamy.
not just a coincidence
But, this is not just a coincidence, there is a whole series of mental and social reasons behind it. Every year when January comes, there is joy of the festival of Makar Sankranti, but shocking reports about this month become a topic of discussion in the field of law and psychology. Only statistics tell the truth in this regard.
What do the statistics say?
According to decades of research conducted by the University of Washington, the number of divorce filings in January increases by a whopping 33% compared to other months. According to a report by the organization ‘Richard Nelson LLP’, searches for words like ‘quick divorce’ or ‘DIY divorce’ on internet search engines are at their peak during this period.
Why this only in January?
Here are some of the main reasons for this “separation trend,” according to legal experts…
1. Chronic festive stress: Despite problems occurring between couples, many people think that December’s Christmas and New Year celebrations should not be disrupted and they remain calm. Psychiatrist Dr. Karen Phillips says there are a large number of couples who spend the holidays thinking it will be their last celebration with their partner.
2. Financial and family burden of the holidays: The high expenses incurred in December and the mental stress caused by meeting family members, widen the old cracks in existing relationships. Many people feel that January is a good time to unload this burden.
3. Resolution of ‘New Year-New Beginning’: New Year symbolizes a new beginning. People who are unhappy with their married life decide to get rid of this burdensome relationship and start a new life for their personal well-being and happiness in January itself.
4. Legal and financial convenience: Experts are of the opinion that since January marks the beginning of a new financial year, it is a more convenient time for legal procedures like tax benefits, health insurance and property division. This aspect is proving to be a boon for divorce.
What is the solution? Expert advice…
Legal and family counselors believe that divorce is not the final solution to any problem in life. In most cases, couples can improve their relationship through mutual communication.
Negotiation: Disputes between husband and wife are common, but most of the times it can be resolved through negotiation.
Counselling: It is better to seek professional advice before taking the decision of divorce.
Family support: When couples want to separate, the elders in the family should try to bring them together, instead of separating them. Sometimes it definitely pays off.
There should be no interference from outsiders: It is good for the relationship to stay away from the third person who creates fire between the couples. If there is any disagreement, it is better to resolve it amongst ourselves rather than telling it outside.
Overall, it is true that the month of January has a bad reputation of being the ‘divorce month’. The world is hoping that this stigma will be removed and the number of divorces will reduce, and not that it will move to some other month. But, is it possible? Because, as the years are passing, the number of divorces is also increasing, which is a shocking truth.