Is January Really Divorce Month in Georgia?

Revised January 2024
January has been nicknamed Divorce Month by divorce and family law attorneys because so many relationships seem to fall apart with the new year, and family law attorneys see an uptick in calls every year. A multi-year University of Washington study found  that the January through March window shows a 33% increase in divorce filings. But why is that? What is it about January that makes so many people decide it’s time to call it quits on their relationship? Is January really Divorce Month in Georgia?  

New Year's Resolution: Get A Divorce

Get a Divorce is #1 on many New Year Resolutions lists. The stress of the holidays makes some people realize that it’s just the final straw after so many other relationship problems. They realize that they aren’t happy and haven’t been for some time and now that things are back to normal, they just want to get out. Or people knew that they wanted to end their marriage before the holidays but decided to wait until after the holidays were over to make memories for the rest of the family and the kids.  

• The stressful holidays can be the final blow to a marriage. It might be that you realized you are unhappy and that the stress actually resulted in the realization that you don't want to stay in your marriage.
• Maybe you’re motivated that now is the time to move forward and start fresh. 
• Some people file for divorce in January for financial and tax reasons, and they don't want to file joint taxes anymore.

In January, after the visiting family members leave, many people begin to Google “I want a divorce.”  The stress of family conflict, playing host and master entertainer to please others can feel overwhelming.  When the new year creeps in, people often long for something real and just need a change.

While almost all parents love their children, having to find childcare solutions for an entire two-week period during the holidays may cause people to feel extra stress and pressure at work and guilt if they are not available to take the entire winter break off to spend time with the children. The additional costs for gifts, decorations and visiting relatives can push many to a breaking point.

Another reason why people choose to file for divorce in January is due to health reasons. When we are making resolutions about our mental and physical health, a natural part of that commitment is to reduce stress and to find peace. A bad marriage deprives us of the peace and stability we need to be the best version of ourselves.

No matter the reason, statistics show that approximately 40-50% of all U.S. marriages will end in divorce. Georgia has one of the highest divorce rates compared to other states, and only 6a few other states have more divorces than The Peach State.

The Covid Effect 
Covid had a negative impact on many marriages due to financial stress, parenting issues and the quarantines. Divorce courts were closed or backlogged for much of 2020 and 2021, which means divorce cases took longer to close. In addition, many couples were forced to quarantine together and realized they don't want to spend more time with that person in the future. Once the court backlog ended, many couples that delayed their divorce filed in 2021 and 2022. A year later, in 2023 the divorce rate seemed to level off, though we are still awaiting the official data.

The first Monday back at work after the holidays is often called Divorce Day because divorce lawyers receive so many calls. Is January really divorce month? The reality is March and August are often the most popular months to file for divorce. If you are unhappy in your marriage and are considering divorce in Georgia, your next question is, What should I do next?

5 Things to Do Now if You’re Considering Divorce

What if you’re thinking about divorce for yourself? If you're considering filing for divorce in January or any other month, you should take some steps to make sure you’re fully prepared. 

1. Speak with a professional counselor, therapist or divorce coach.
An outside expert opinion (not well-meaning family or friends) will help you evaluate what’s going on in your relationship and what’s leading you to want a divorce. Is it really a breakdown of the relationship or are you experiencing some backlash from the holidays and some stress as you head into the 3rd year of a global pandemic?

2. List out what you want to get from your divorce.
It’s important to think about your personal goals for the end of your marriage, including child custody, child support, division of assets, finances, timelines and more. This will help you be fully prepared for the process you are about to undertake and what you want to tell your lawyer.

3. Make a list of what you will lose in the divorce.
People and relationships are seldom all good or all bad.  Divorce is a major loss. If you have minor children, you will lose a two-parent home and the ability to see your children every holiday, as they will likely become split. Write a list of all of the things you will lose and miss as a result of the divorce. Before you move forward, make sure you can live with the loss. You cannot pursue divorce and reconciliation at the same time so make sure you are ready to move forward with a divorce before you begin.

4. Gather your financial documents.
Finances are a huge part of the divorce process and it’s essential that you understand what the financial situation is for you and your partner as a married couple and as divorced individuals. Gathering all of your documents including tax returns, pay stubs and debt such as loans, credit cards or mortgages will help your lawyer to create a path forward for the dissolution of your marriage. 

5. Write a basic self-care plan. 
Identify how you plan to love and support yourself during this stressful process of divorce.  Develop a list of supporters who you can call in the middle of the night or at the crack of dawn who will remind you that you can get through this and you will be ok. Think of healthy ways to take extra special care of yourself during this period such as a monthly massage or a weekly prayer group meeting.

Next Steps

If you’re thinking about divorce, no matter what time of year it is you need to discuss your situation with an experienced divorce and family law attorney who can help you get the outcome you’re looking for. It’s not just about a legal dissolution of your marriage - it’s also about protecting yourself and your family in the future, the division of everything that you own and making sure that you walk away from the relationship with what you deserve. 

If you live in Gwinnett County or the surrounding areas, call Divorce and Family Law Attorney Sharon Jackson. As an experienced Family Law attorney, she protects your legal rights and your family’s future. Call Attorney Jackson today at (678) 436-3636 to schedule a consultation or book an online appointment.