When it comes to divorce, there has long been a prevailing belief by many that during certain times of the year there is a divorce spike. Though the phenomenon has been commonly referred to as “seasonal divorce,” there has never been an elaborate and well-documented research study done on seasonal divorce spikes – until now.
As reported in the New York Times Magazine, researchers at the University of Washington have published a study that appears to back up the notion that seasonal divorce spikes occur during certain times of the year.
University of Washington sociology professor Julie Brines and doctoral candidate Brian Serafini presented “what is believed to be the first quantitative evidence of a seasonal, biannual pattern of filings for divorce” this past week during the American Sociological Association’s annual meeting.
Brines and Serafini investigated nearly every divorce filing in Washington state between 2001 and 2015. Their research led them to conclude that seasonal divorce spikes are a real thing, as divorce filings ‘‘consistently peaked in March and August, the periods following winter and summer holidays.’’ Their research also conveyed a continual decrease in divorce filings in the months following August through December.
Why do Seasonal Divorce Spikes Occur?
Many divorce and family law attorneys have suspected that the stress of the holidays and sending kids back to school have contributed to seasonal divorce spikes. Brines and Serafini’s research appears to further validate that suspicion. They stated in a press release that “troubled couples may see the holidays as a time to mend relationships and start anew: We’ll have a happy Christmas together as a family or take the kids for a nice camping trip, the thinking goes, and things will be better.” Simply put: When the holidays don’t work out as planned, the road has been paved for action to take place.
As for the late summer season divorce peak, Brines said the pending start of school may accelerate the need or urge to file for divorce. Research also has indicated that longer days during the spring and summer “elevate moods enough to motivate people to act.”
Tulsa divorce and child custody attorney Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. said he’s not surprised by the study’s findings, but that action can be taken at any time of the year.
“I think holiday stress has always played a factor in many people deciding to file for divorce,” Fry said. “But everyone’s threshold of a bad relationship and marriage is different. It might take the holidays for some and it might not for others. When someone decides they’ve had enough, that ultimately is when action is taken.”
Why Consult with a Proven Tulsa Divorce Lawyer?
Whether the summer has stressed you out, the holidays or some other time of the year and you’re wanting to get out of a bad marriage, your first course of action is to set up a personal consultation with an experienced Tulsa divorce lawyer. Fry. was named Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016 and is one of only 19 attorneys in the state to be named a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Fry, along with the rest of the acclaimed and accomplished Fry & Elder attorneys has helped the firm become synonymous with Tulsa divorce, child custody and family law. Fry & Elder has been named to the U.S. News & World Report’s prestigious list of Best Law Firms from 2014-2016. Begin your road to recovery by contacting Fry & Elder today.