Valentine’s Day is a day of love and romance. However, Cupid’s arrow doesn’t strike everyone. An article published in The New York Post found that divorce rates skyrocket up to 40% after Valentine’s Day, as compared to the previous six months. Because of that, February 15th is known as the kickoff for the busy season for divorce attorneys.
What is it about February, specifically the 15th, that causes such an increase in divorces? Here are a few possible explanations:
- The End of the Holiday Season: Many couples, especially those with children, push out their divorce until after Thanksgiving and Christmas, because let’s be honest, who wants to find divorce papers in their stockings or to spend the holidays alone? Many couples also hope that the holiday season will bring them closer together. Unfortunately, more often than not holidays only lead to further issues. The halls are not always jolly.
- Money, Money, Money: With the commercialization of Christmas, January has the highest rate of bankruptcy filings. With financial issues as the second leading cause of divorce, second only to infidelity, it’s no surprise that couples reach their breaking point shortly after the holiday season when those credit card statements are due.
- Cabin Fever: It’s no secret that winters in North Dakota are brutal. Combine that with being coopedlocked up indoors for months on end with a significant other and you’re guaranteed to get on each other’s nerves. While Valentine’s Day may salvage your relationship, it may also force the realization that divorce is the only viable answer.
- Cheater, Cheater: As Valentine’s Day is the day of love, those spouses in extramarital affairs are more than likely sending their lover flowers or buying them expensive jewelry. The cheating spouse is forced to not only satisfy their spouse but their lover as well. One can imagine this is not an easy task. For spouses who suspect their significant others isare cheating on them, Valentine’s Day makes it all too easy to catch them in the act (i.e. check those credit card statements ladies and gentlemen).
- The Last Straw: Cupid’s holiday often brings things to a head for couples who are having trouble. One spouse may go above and beyond for their significant other while the other forgets or fails to show any gratitude. This could be the final nail in the coffin.
No matter what time of year you file for divorce, having an experienced family law attorney at your side can make or break your case. Call (701) 775-0654 or email us at lawinfo@rosenquistlawoffice.com to schedule your free consultation. *The information contained in this article and on this website is for informational purposes only. This information is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.
