Financial Reasons Behind Why January Is Divorce Season
January has long puzzled family-law attorneys, who often refer to the month as “Divorce Season.” Understanding why January is divorce season can help couples prepare emotionally and financially.
Sociologists at the University of Washington note that “To everything there is a season – even divorce”. The results of a UW study found that Family law attorneys nationwide report a 25% to 30% increase in divorce inquiries every January.
Why January Is Divorce Season for Many Couples
1. Taboos
There are numerous cultural holidays that are celebrated in December: Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Yule, Bodhi Day, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Feast of Saint Nicholas, etc. These oftentimes sacred holidays can be a reminder that marriage is frequently thought of as a lifelong sacrament or a commitment to work through problems together, for better or worse. The holidays are also a reminder of the importance of family.
Due to this cultural outlook, couples with very real, wearing issues often delay a
separation or divorce. They are afraid friends and family will deem them heartless or hostile. They do not want to be viewed as “quitters”, even though the couple may be facing numerous irreconcilable differences.
2. Hope Filled Holidays
The winter holidays are famous for the hope they bring. There is hope of new relationships and the strengthening of old relationships. There is a hope that celebrations will finally go as planned and the family will experience a “Hallmark”type holiday. Alternatively, some wish to give their children one last winter holiday as a family before they begin the process of a divorce or dissolution.
3. Disappointment During Holidays
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon that many hopeful expectations go unmet as hope turns to disappointment. The stress of holidays can expose cracks in a marriage and oftentimes turn them into large crevasses. Suddenly, a stress-free holiday seems more appealing than a nuclear family”Hallmark”holiday.
4. New Year, New Me
While some may see the new year as a fresh start with their spouse, others are weary due to many failed fresh starts. Instead of continuing to expend energy on someone else, people are eager to pour all of their energy into themselves – or themselves and their children. New Year is often seen as a time to change one’s lifestyle.
Many commit to resolutions such as reading more, prioritizing sleep, and losing weight. I have seen people congratulate their friends on a breakup or separation by joking, “Congrats on moving past a relationship that was holding you back! You lost 180lbs of deadweight overnight!”New Year is a time for self-care and rebuilding; it is natural that one may want to leave irreconcilable relationships in the past.
5. Financial Reasons
Holidays tend to be quite expensive. The National Retail Federation released its annual holiday forecast, predicting retail sales between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion. It seems that every penny earned during November and December goes toward celebrations. Come January, income can finally be spent on other sources, including divorce or dissolution fees.
Waiting until January to separate also impacts taxes. Hanging on until the end of the tax year allows couples to file joint tax returns one last time, which can simplify finances during a divorce. Even if couples are living separately, as long as they are married, they can file taxes as a married couple.
Additionally, while holiday bonuses are often paid in December, annual bonuses are often paid in January. Waiting until January to file the divorce may allow a spouse to claim the bonus as a marital asset, which needs to be split equitably between the parties.
What to do if You are Contemplating Separation
If you are considering separation or divorce, you don’t have to wait until the New Year to start preparing for the process. Not only does it take financial and emotional preparation, but there are many documents that need to be prepared and gathered in anticipation of a separation.
What information should you begin gathering? Click here to read a helpful blog we previously posted about what to bring to your first meeting with a divorce attorney. This post provides a good checklist to start your planning!
MuesLaw Provides Experienced, Trusted and Professional Advice if You Are Considering Ending Your Marriage.
MuesLaw can assist you with your divorce, dissolution and parenting/custody related issues. To learn more, please go to our website at mueslaw.com or call us at (937) 293-2141. We can schedule an in-person conference or one by phone or Zoom. We look forward to assisting you!
PUBLISHER’S NOTE:
I want to thank Rachel Recker for helping draft this blog article. She graduated in May from the University of Dayton School of Law and besides clerking with us she passed the Bar exam and was sworn in as an attorney on November 17, 2025. CONGRATULATIONS Rachel – well done! You are an excellent writer with a bright future!
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© 2025, Ohio Family Law Blog. All rights reserved.
Attorney Robert “Chip” Mues has been focusing his legal practice throughout Southwest Ohio primarily in divorce and family law matters since 1978. Chip is passionate about family law and has proudly published the Ohio Family Law Blog since 2007. In addition, he previously managed the Dayton law firm of Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues LPA until it dissolved on December 31, 2024. He founded MUESLAW in 2025. To learn more about him or MUESLAW, visit www.MuesLaw.com. Appointments are available in person, over the phone or by Zoom. Call us at 937 293-2141. He can be contacted by email at chip@mueslaw.com.
