According to a widespread theory, divorce is a seasonal phenomenon. In the first few weeks of January, it’s said, we’re more likely to file for divorce than at any other time of year. It’s worth asking how much truth there is to this idea, and what factors might be driving it.
The Concept of ‘Divorce Day’
The first working Monday of January is said to be the peak time for divorce enquiries, nationwide. While the media has played a role in hyping up this phenomenon in pursuit of clicks, it’s backed up by the relationship support charity Relate, which in 2019 reported a surge of traffic at this time of year. Some divorce solicitors also report a rise in enquiries during January.
Analysing Divorce Statistics
In 2022, there were around 80,000 divorces filed in England and Wales. This represented a decline of around a third from the previous year. The ONS does not report month-by-month divorce statistics. However, recent data published in the Solicitor’s Journal suggests that March is actually the peak year for divorces, with around 11,731 occurring in the month next to January’s 9,878. It should be noted, however, that January represents a substantial uptick over December, which could explain why solicitors feel that it’s a big month.
Factors Influencing Post-Holiday Divorce Rates
So, why might a surge in divorce occur in the early part of the year? There are a number of possible explanations.
First, a January surge might be there to correct a backlog. Few people want to get divorced during Christmas, and so they all rush to file after the tree has been stowed away again for another year.
January is also an expensive time of year. After the cost of Christmas has been dealt with, couples might be faced with a deadline for income tax. This can put a strain on relationships, especially if family finances are already under pressure.
The general dreariness of the weather can also cause people to become unhappy – and unhappy people tend to be likelier to seek divorce. Fewer daylight hours, colder weather, and fewer opportunities for outdoor leisure might all be considered contributing factors.
It should be noted, however, that the presence of these factors need not necessarily lead to marital breakdown. They might simply provide a ‘nudge’ in that direction.
The Role of Divorce Solicitors in January
Divorce solicitors, as as been mentioned, tend to report more filings at this time of year. But actually filing for divorce might be just one step taken. In some cases, couples might simply get in touch with a solicitor in order to assess their options and explore what might be involved.