It’s time for back-to-school shopping, pumpkin spice lattes… and divorcing. Researchers have determined that late summer/early fall is peak season for splitting up.
Why?
There are a million reasons why couples divorce, but the number one reason is because they are unhappy.
When do you have time to slow down and think about big life questions? Or have an existential crisis? When you are on vacation, of course! And most families take their vacations during the summer.
It may be that the very act of spending more time together — and more time taking care of the kids while they are out of school — makes people realize they are not living their best life. This could be why the second spike in divorce filings occurs in March, just after the holiday season and another big school break.
Some researchers believe vacations or holidays can be viewed as a last grand gesture. One last chance to turn things around and fall back in love. When that doesn’t happen, it’s time to move on.
The weather may also play a role. Who knows?! The important thing is realizing something needs to change and taking action.
Chances Are…
You probably aren’t reading this blog post because your marriage is going well. So, if you were looking for a sign that you are not alone, this is it. Lots of people file for divorce in late summer/early fall. If you think you might want to be one of them, it’s time to get to work..
If you want to try counseling. Now is the time to book some sessions. Counselors tend to get busier during the holiday season.
Whether you or you and your spouse get counseling, it is time to seek counsel. An experienced attorney can help guide you through these important first steps toward divorce before you file a single piece of paper with the courts:
- Set some post-divorce goals. What do you want your life to look like after your split? Is your vision realistic? How do you get from here to there?
- Gather financial information. Do you know how many credit cards you and your spouse have? Is your name on the mortgage? Before your assets can be divided up, they have to be pulled together.
- If you fear for you or your children’s safety, now is the time to start making an escape plan.
After you have taken these first few steps, it is time to set the legal wheels in motion. In Pennsylvania, divorce is not a file-a-paper-and-your-done process. It can take months or even years to finalize a split.
Contact Us Today to Discuss Your Case
Attorney Gary R. Swavely, Jr. has helped hundreds of couples in the Reading, PA area un-couple during is 25+ years in practice. He has the skills necessary to guide you through the complex legal system, ease your anxieties and frustrations, and achieve the results you deserve.