If you are waiting until the new year to file for divorce, you are not alone. There tends to be an increase in divorce filings in January. Divorce can be a big undertaking and you should make sure you have the help of an experienced Missouri divorce attorney on your side. If you have any questions about how to prepare for a divorce and protect your rights and interests, contact the Joshua Wilson Law Firm in Raymore, Missouri.

January is Considered “Divorce Month”

January is sometimes referred to as “divorce month.” Many couples wait until the first month of the new year to file for divorce. There are a number of reasons why many people wait until after the new year to file for a divorce. 

Many couples stay together through the holidays for the sake of their children or family. Either deciding together or individually, bringing up a divorce around the holidays can be difficult for children and families. Many parents wait until the holidays are over to break the difficult news. 

The holidays can also be a magical time when we see images of families overcoming problems to come together. This can influence our ideas about putting aside past problems to work together and give the relationship another try. However, after the New Year's Eve festivities end, life comes back to the typical day-to-day life where the problems re-emerge. 

New Year is also a time for resolutions. A New Year's resolution may be to stop smoking, drink less, or start going to the gym. However, it may also be a time for life changes like getting a divorce. Even couples who have been together decades may come to a point where they need a change in their life and decide their marriage needs to come to an end.

Taxes and Divorce

When you file for divorce can have an impact on your federal tax filing. Generally, your filing status depends on your marital status on the last day of the tax year. In order to file as an unmarried person, you have to obtain a decree of divorce by the last day of the tax year. 

If your divorce is granted on December 31st, 2019, then you would file as single for the 2019 tax year. If your divorce is granted one day later, on January 1st, 2020, then you would file as married (jointly or separately) for the 2019 tax year. 

If your filing status will make a significant difference in your taxes, you may want to file earlier or later to have the preferred marital status for the tax year. 

Planning for a Divorce

January is right around the corner. The rest of the month may be taken up with holidays, vacations, and winter travel but if you are considering a divorce in the new year, talk to your Missouri divorce attorney sooner rather than later. Contact the Joshua Wilson Law Firm in Raymore today. You can reach us by phone at (816) 331-9968 or fill out our online form.