Roses, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, and romantic dinners are all iconic representations of Valentine’s Day. So, apparently, are divorce filings.
Recent studies have shown that divorce filings as well as Internet searches for divorce-related terms peak during the weeks after V-Day:
- A study of divorce filings in New York, Illinois and California by a legal referral website found that February is the busiest month of the year for divorce filings, up about 18% from the average month. The same study showed that searches for divorce lawyers on the site increase 38% following Valentine’s Day, with the biggest spike on February 15th.
- The attorney-rating website Avvo reported a 40% increase in those seeking information and advice about divorce in the period right after Valentine’s Day.
While all the love in the air on February 14th may be a reminder of the waning of love in a declining marriage, other factors also may play a role in the post-Valentine’s Day divorce spike.
The holidays can spur thoughts of divorce, and many people wait until after the New Year to take action towards divorce due to tax and other advantages that accrue after the calendar changes. Some may wait until V-Day to see if the spark missing from their marriage will return.
Regardless of the reason or the season, the decision to divorce is one that requires thoughtfulness and planning rather than impulsiveness. Our free guide to “Five Things You Must Do Before You Decide to Divorce” lays out the steps you should take and information you should have on hand as you begin the divorce process. You can download the guide here.
On Valentine’s Day and throughout the year, Clement Law provides trusted counsel and effective advocacy to individuals in New York and New Jersey going through the transition of divorce. While thorough and aggressive, we help clients resolve their cases in novel and creative ways in order to minimize strife and reach a positive resolution. If you’d like to discuss any issues relating to divorce, please give us a call at (212) 683-9551 or fill out our online form to arrange for a consultation. We look forward to assisting you.
