Stress in a relationship can be triggered by seasonal events, like the financial stress of the holidays. Couples going through a separation may even consider the tax implications of a divorce and wait a little longer to file for divorce. There may be no ideal time of year to file for divorce, but one survey suggests that divorce filings may peak at certain times of the year. 

Increased Divorce Filings in March and August

A paper looking at divorce filings in Washington state found that divorce filings occur more often in March and August. The researchers looked at divorce filings between 2001 and 2015. The data also showed divorce filings were lowest in November and December. 

According to one author of the paper, professor Julie Brines, the summer and winter holiday seasons are times when families may not want to disturb the family balance, especially where kids are involved. July is the peak travel season for families in the U.S. Winter holidays often involve family vacations or visits from extended family from the end of December into the beginning of January. 

Additionally, Brines suggests the holidays are a time when couples may be thinking of mending their relationship or starting over. However, for the same reasons that holidays can bring anticipation and joy, they can also be stressful events. At the end of the holiday, kids go back to school and struggling couples may return to their routine. 

Filing in August and Facing Divorce in September

If August was a peak time for divorce filings in Missouri, then there are a lot of spouses dealing with the aftermath of a divorce filing this September. After a Petition of Dissolution of Marriage is filed, the respondent must file an answer within 30 days of service. If the respondent denies the marriage is “irretrievably broken,” the court may continue the divorce hearing for up to an additional six months and may recommend counseling. 

In an uncontested divorce, where the couple agrees on the primary terms of child custody and property division, a divorce can go through relatively quickly. However, in a contested divorce, the process can take months. This may include disputes over aspects of: 

• Property division
• Child custody
• Child visitation
• Alimony

In a contested divorce filed in August, the divorce proceedings can take the couple and any children through the beginning of the school year, holiday season, and even into the next year. During this stressful process, it is important to have a knowledgeable divorce lawyer on your side who you can trust through these difficult times.  

Raymore Missouri Divorce Lawyer

If you are facing a divorce or separation and have questions about the divorce process, what is best for your kids, and making sure your rights are protected, contact the Joshua Wilson Law Firm today. Do not hesitate to contact us by phone at (816) 331-9968 or fill out our online form.