For a lot of families, August is back-to-school season – but this is also divorce season.
Researchers looking at a 14-year period found that there’s a biannual surge in new divorces every March and August. The spike in early March usually has a lot to do with the fact that the holiday season, including Valentine’s Day, brings up a lot of emotions in couples who are already unhappy, and they finally realize they need to end their relationships. Plus, nobody wants the added stress of a holiday split. Once the holidays are over, however, people feel less guilty about making a break.
But what stirs things up in August? Here are some possibilities:
The start of a new school year is a catalyst for change
Parents often think of the new school year as a new beginning for their children, and that may get them thinking about the need for a new beginning for themselves. Plus, the fact that the kids won’t be home during the day once school starts means that there’s more time for those heart-to-heart discussions (or fights) with a spouse about the ending of the relationship – without putting the kids in the middle.
The summer was the last chance to revive a failing marriage
Sometimes people delay seeking a divorce over the summer for the same reason they do over the holidays: They have hope that spending more time with their spouse on summer vacation and doing things together could rekindle the flames of passion. When that doesn’t happen (or the marital relationship gets even worse), they realize that it’s just time to end things.
Nobody wants to create summer drama in their extended family
From weddings to family reunions or group vacations, there’s a lot going on in the summer. Just like during the winter holiday season, people hate to do anything that will disrupt family gatherings and inflict an extra emotional toll on themselves, their children or their other loved ones.
If you believe that you’re headed for a divorce very soon, it’s important to take steps to prepare. Learning more about your legal options can help you make informed decisions.
