Divorce Filing Peaks After Holidays; Here's Why Couples Should Think Twice Before Ending Their Marriage

Experts have long determined that divorce filing peaks after the holidays. A noticeable surge of couples intending to end their marriage has given birth to the "divorce season" that occurs after Christmas or New Year celebrations and in some cases after a summer vacation.

Family gatherings bring stress and cause couples to examine their relationship. For some, the holidays trigger the decision to end the marriage, but then divorce might not be the best solution just yet.

According to Net Doctor, the holidays allow families to break from routines, which should be seen as a good thing. But the problem is that being in a different setting or environment could also highlight the problems in the marriage.

"Couples find that being in a hotel for two weeks with someone can irritate you," therapist Marissa Peer told the news outlet. Certain unmet expectations can lead to frustrations that can turn a holiday into a disappointment.

At some point, couples tell themselves they don't want to spend their next vacations this way. If they are spending the holidays with the in-laws, some realize that they can't stand the extended family for much longer.

After the holidays, more problems crop up as the family transitions to their regular day-to-day life and the bills pile up. It can potentially bring more anger, disappointments and frustration to the fold.

'Tis the season of un-coupling. And re-coupling. How's your marriage holding up? https://t.co/Z8yMEKDitv @Quantanamo

— Dad 2.0 Summit (@dad2summit) January 3, 2017

According to Market Watch, divorce peaks in January because many long for a clean slate. But triggered by holiday stress, some could file based on angry emotions, which a divorce expert said might be the wrong motivation.

"Never file out of anger," American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers president John Slowiaczek said. He described "emotional decisions" as dangerous.

Randy Kessler, who is also a divorce lawyer and has written a book on the subject, advised that couples shouldn't rush with filing during divorce season. "It's better to be strategic," he said.

Couples in a bad marriage, however, shouldn't force themselves to stay in the relationship either. But the holidays should be considered as a different, difficult and volatile period for everyone. Couples should acknowledge this and agree to talk it over or do therapy before deciding to serve divorce papers.