Why Do Divorce Rates Spike in the Summer?
While the temperatures spike in August, so does the divorce rate. Divorce is indeed seasonal, with annual peaks in August and again in March, according to a University of Washington study. Understanding the reasons behind these seasonalities can help you better understand your own relationship - whether you’re happily married or contemplating divorce.
Why Divorces Increase in August:
Great Expectations: “Maybe some summer fun will help us re-connect.” “Aren’t we less likely to bicker when we have gorgeous weather?” People tend to romanticize the summer months, and this can lead to inflated expectations about the impact on romantic relationships.
Timing is Everything: We tend to keep a “back to school” mentality throughout our adult years. August is a familiar transition point when one era ends and a new one begins, and it seems a natural time for married couples to make a change.
The Path of Least Resistance: Even in best case scenarios when couples split amicably, it’s still an emotional and difficult time. Work tends to slow down for most people in August, allowing people more mental space to focus on their marriage (or the end of it).
Holiday Planning: August fits into a holiday sweet spot where summer family vacations are over, but there is still time to make changes before the year-end holidays in November and December.
What You Should Know:
The reasons divorce rates increase in August have more to do with people’s lifestyles and timing preferences, and less to do with the law. As family law attorneys, we know how crucial it is for people to understand the legal and financial ramifications of divorce timing. If you’re contemplating divorce (during any month), make sure you’re clear on the legal timeline.
Date of Separation: This is typically the date a couple physically separates - whether a divorce has been filed, they have a separation agreement, or neither. It can also be the time the couple separates financially, while still living together. It’s important to know that, unless the parties agree, the date of separation is not necessarily the date used to value the assets, debt and income that will be divided.
Date of Commencement: This is technically the date a divorce is filed and served on the other party. It’s an important date because, unless the parties agree otherwise, the date of commencement determines when couples stop accruing marital debt and marital property. The date also affects alimony and child support arrangements.
Legal Separation Agreement: A legal separation agreement is a written, legally enforceable contract that can be kept on file with the county clerk. Couples may consider this option if they think they may be able to reconcile, or because they want to wait a bit longer before officially divorcing (i.e., until after a property is sold, for health insurance reasons, or tax reasons). While you are not required to have a lawyer draft your separation agreement for you, the courts recommend doing so, especially in complicated cases involving real estate, pensions/retirement assets, custody issues and support. A family law attorney can also help prepare you for the next steps in the divorce processes, so you don’t run into surprises.
Dissolution of Marriage: Even with a separation agreement, a married couple still has legal ties to each other. Only a signed judgment of divorce legally terminates the marriage. Typically, couples who begin divorce proceedings in August will not officially become divorced until many months later, sometimes years.
At Artese Zandri, we help clients understand their rights and obligations to income, assets and children upon marriage and in the event of divorce (at any time of year!). Feel free to contact us at consultations@artesezandri.com to discuss your own situation.