The holiday decor has come down, and the merriest time of the year has gone by just like that. It’s the start of the new year, and while January is about resolutions and vamped-up goals for some, it also means a new beginning and a clean slate for others—in the relationship department, that is. January has unofficially been declared as “Divorce Month,” and if you and your partner have come to terms with officially ending your marriage, you’re not the only one.
So, is January really the best time to get a divorce? If you’re wondering what “Divorce Month” truly is and why it’s earned this title, I reached out to divorce lawyers, Nicole Sodoma, author of Please Don’t Say You’re Sorry, and Evey M. Diaz, the founder of Family Law Division at Ligris, for answers. The family law attorneys are sharing some insight on why couples are making the move towards divorce in January, what couples should consider if they decide to get a divorce during this time, and more.
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Nicole Sodoma, Founder of Sodoma Law
Nicole Sodoma is a nationally recognized family law attorney, author of Please Don’t Say You’re Sorry, and thought leader redefining divorce, co-parenting, and modern family dynamics. She is the founder and managing principal of Sodoma Law, the largest family law firm in North and South Carolina. A former litigator, certified parenting coordinator, and collaborative law attorney, Nicole draws on her own lived experience as a step-parent, mother, ex-wife, and entrepreneur to provide personalized strategies and tools for families navigating complex transitions.
Evey M. Diaz, Esq., Founder of Family Law Division at Ligris
Evey is the founder of the Family Law Division at Ligris, prioritizing client-first strategies that help families navigate crisis with clarity and compassion. As a trusted advocate in the field of family law, she is known for her thoughtful and client-focused approach and ability to deliver tailored solutions in even the most complex domestic matters.
What is “Divorce Month”?
According to Sodoma, January is often coined “Divorce Month” because it aligns with new beginnings. The divorce lawyer notes that January represents permission to choose a change in starting out the year. “The new year creates a psychological reset, especially for people who are unhappy [with their relationship],” says Sodoma. Ultimately, it’s the first step in deciding to get a divorce.
Is there really a spike in divorce in January?
Interestingly enough, both Sodoma and Diaz state that January isn’t the busiest month for filing for divorce. Instead, there’s a noticeable increase in people requesting divorce consultations in January. Sodoma shares that she is already experiencing the influx of emails seeking her expertise and advice on the topic of divorce. According to Diaz, January tends to bring clarity and momentum, and people have had time to reflect, evaluate their relationships, and decide whether change is necessary.
“There’s a noticeable increase in people requesting divorce consultations in January.”
In actuality, the number of couples filing for divorce spikes in March or April and September and October. The timing of these months lines up after spring break and the summertime—peak months that involve spending time with the family. For couples who have kids, especially, filing for divorce once their family is back on a structured school schedule gives some type of stability during this difficult time. For parents who like to plan things out, “Big life decisions tend to revolve around their children’s schedules,” says Sodoma.
Common reasons why couples decide to divorce after the holidays
There isn’t only one reason why couples choose to go their separate ways after the holidays. But, this period can take a toll on relationships—bringing stress, unmet expectations, and emotional exhaustion for couples. Sodoma shares that the holidays mean increased time together, “which can intensify existing issues, because more time together doesn’t fix problems, it often exposes them.”
Some couples may choose to preserve the holidays to give normalcy to their children. The divorce lawyers note that others may be waiting to get their end-of-year bonuses, prioritizing tax planning, or simply want to save their emotional bandwidth by getting through the holidays first. The month of January is “a moment to finally act on thoughts [couples have] been carrying for months—or even years,” says Sodoma.
“The holidays mean increased time together, which can intensify existing issues, because more time together doesn’t fix problems, it often exposes them.“
What to consider during “Divorce Month”
January may not be the heaviest month of people filing for divorce, but both Sodoma and Diaz have some advice on how to utilize “Divorce Month” as a time for preparation if considering a separation.
Use “Divorce Month” as a time for prep
According to Sodoma, “What many don’t anticipate is how involved the process [of divorce] can be.” It requires couples to make decisions on topics like parenting schedules, asset and debt division, and financial support. These discussions are oftentimes more complex than people expect. And what sets couples up for success in finalizing their separation is education, not urgency. “Understanding your options can make the entire process significantly manageable,” emphasizes Sodoma. She adds that “Divorce can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right support and preparation, the process can become incredibly empowering.”
Choose the right lawyer for your specific circumstances
Diaz points out that not every divorce requires the same expertise. Choose a lawyer or firm that meets your needs, like having a firm that has heavy experience with custody litigation and child custody evaluations (if couples have children). Finding the right fit matters, and Diaz advises not to feel obligated to hire the first attorney someone recommends or to hire a lawyer after their first consultation.
Know or learn about your current finances
Divorce can feel intimidating. And for partners who aren’t primarily responsible for the money aspect in their relationship, knowing the current state of their finances can be a big stressor. “There is no shame in not knowing the finances,” says Sodoma. She admits, “Even in my own marriage, we had traditional roles. My former husband handled our family finances, while I managed the children’s schedules and day-to-day household responsibilities.” As a family law attorney, she iterates that her role is helping to create checklists and step-by-step guidance, so clients aren’t overwhelmed by stressors, like their financial situation.
Consider each spouse’s current responsibilities
Lastly, Sodoma encourages her clients to review the responsibilities each spouse currently holds in their relationship. Does one partner handle the finances, home maintenance, or the kids’ schedules? “I ask [clients] to prepare for the reality that those responsibilities may soon fall entirely on them,” she shared. Outlining this piece of information can give couples peace of mind during the process.
Is “Divorce Month” a misnomer?
So, maybe “Divorce Month” is a misnomer. But regardless of whether or not couples are actually filing for divorce in January or not, it may be an opportunity for couples to mindfully move forward with the divorce process. Maybe it’s more about seeking expertise, guidance, and making something that may seem impulsive, more strategic.
Patty Schepel, Editorial Assistant
As the editorial assistant, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, inputting freelance articles, and more. With Patty’s passion for writing, experience as a mother of two, and expertise as a pediatric nurse, she brings a thoughtful and informative perspective to The Everymom.
