If you’ve recently filed for a divorce, you might be interested to know that you’re following a documented trend of Americans. Studies have found that more people get divorce in March and August than at any other time. Typically, divorce filings rise following the winter and summer holidays.
A study completed at the University of Washington shows that divorce itself may be driven by a kind of domestic ritual; there is a biannual pattern that can be explained only by the culture of the United States. For example, the winter holidays are generally seen as sacred, so it would be a faux pau to file for divorce in the middle of celebrations. Instead, couples might decide to wait and file for divorce following a failed holiday season. Stresses, both emotional and financial, can impact feelings over the holidays, making it more likely for couples to divorce.
Another time that divorces peak is in August. Why then? School is about to start, so after family vacations are over, it likely seems a suitable time to sort out separation before the kids have to be in classes. Separating can be difficult on children, so making sure to have a plan for visitation and custody before school starts could be a benefit of divorcing at that time.
It’s also possible that people wait to file for divorce until they have time to build up the savings needed to pay for it. Christmas, for instance, can be expensive, and some may wait until tax season and tax returns to file for divorce. Whatever the reason, those who are ready to file tend to do so in these two months.
Source: Futurity, “More people get divorced in March and August,” Deborah Bach, Aug. 22, 2016