The holidays are supposed to be a time of celebration, full of family gatherings and happy memories. When your marriage is falling apart, however, the season can feel anything but joyful. You may wonder whether filing for divorce now would make an already stressful time even harder to handle.
For some couples, waiting until January makes sense. For others, putting off the inevitable only prolongs the pain. Before deciding, consider how the timing might affect you and your family.
The emotional impact on your children is a major factor
If you have children, you may be reluctant to disrupt their holiday season. Maintaining familiar traditions may be a good reason to wait.
However, children are often far more aware of tension between their parents than adults realize. If the holidays in your house typically involve constant arguments or hostility, trying to keep the “happy family” image in place may not be doing them any favors.
Your finances are another important consideration
The holidays can be expensive even when a marriage is on solid ground. Adding divorce-related expenses to gifts, travel and other seasonal costs can put additional pressure on your wallet and make you miserable. On the other hand, if you’re already miserable, waiting won’t help. Consider whether you can afford separate households, how holiday spending might affect shared finances and whether filing before or after the new year could have tax implications.
Consider the practical challenges of your split
Court schedules and professional availability may be limited during the holidays. Gathering financial documents, arranging temporary parenting schedules and scheduling appointments can also be difficult.
However, waiting until January won’t necessarily make anything easier. You could use the remaining weeks of the year to gather records, explore your options and prepare for the next chapter of your life.
Don’t overlook your own well-being
There’s a difference between delaying divorce because it makes practical sense and postponing it because you’re dreading that first step. If your marriage has become unbearable, forcing yourself through another holiday season with your spouse may only increase your stress. If abuse or threats to your safety are involved, waiting may be especially unwise.
Ultimately, there is no perfect time to divorce. The decision should be based on your circumstances, your family’s needs and your goals — not simply the date on the calendar. Having experienced legal guidance will help.