Divorce Day is the first working Monday of January every year. In many cases, this day is the first opportunity for individuals considering a divorce in the New Year to speak with a legal professional about their options.
Divorce Day is an unofficial designation, though the experiences of Toronto divorce lawyers tend to confirm that a higher number of people consider separation around the beginning of the year.
You can learn more about the divorce process by reaching out to a skilled law firm that can put you first.
What Should You Know About Divorce Day?
You should know that “Divorce Day” is the unofficial name given to the first working Monday of each year. Generally, this day sees an increase in struggling couples deciding that they’ve had enough and considering the first steps in severing their relationships.
More accurately, we could call January “Divorce Month.” Many people take the turn of the year as an opportunity to grow, and sometimes that means moving on from a relationship that no longer works.
For many people, January provides a chance to reassess their lives, reflecting on the current state of things and what they need to change. Considering this general feeling, it’s unsurprising that many law firms see an increase in people thinking about getting a divorce.
The Holiday Season Often Puts Things in Perspective
Part of the reason for Divorce Day is the clarity sometimes brought about by December and the busy holiday season. Many couples try to push through the holidays, instead of enjoying them, choosing to stay together for a variety of reasons, even if they suspect they’d be happier apart.
Why Do Some Couples Stay Together Through the Holidays?
Couples may try to stick it out through December:
- For their children
- Due to the financial pressures associated with the holidays
- To continue long-standing holiday traditions
- To attend family gatherings
Additionally, the holidays can boost the pressure associated with relationships. When we add in work stresses from the end of the year, the chaos of disruption to regular routines, and additional contact with extended family, the pressure can all mount up and look for a release in January.
Divorce Day Doesn’t Require Instant Decisions
Individuals thinking about splitting up do not have to make a decision on Divorce Day. Instead, most people consider getting a consultation with a divorce lawyer, thereby taking the first step in considering a lawful dissolution of their marriage.
Generally, the reasons for relationship breakdowns occur gradually. They don’t all snap into place at once. Therefore, individuals who reach out to divorce lawyers in January have usually been contemplating taking that step for a long time, sometimes even for months or years.
Divorce Day does not prompt the final decision; it just serves as a marker of a time when many people feel ready to start considering their next steps and their future goals. Now that you know what Divorce Day is, you can focus on learning more about the divorce process.
What Questions Could You Ask a Lawyer on Divorce Day?
You can ask your lawyer about any concerns that you have if you reach out for a consultation on Divorce Day. In many cases, a first consultation will focus on practicalities.
For example, your lawyer could give you information about:
- What the separation process involves
- Whether you’ll have to go through the court system
- What will happen to your home
- What you’ll have to do to set up parenting arrangements
Your lawyer can carefully consider your concerns and provide clear, straightforward answers. Even once you speak to a lawyer, you won’t have to take immediate action. You can take time to consider everything you learned and to think more about your situation before you move forward one way or another.
You can turn to a professional legal team if you want to:
- Get clear information about your responsibilities and rights
- Learn more about options like mediation or arbitration
- Take the time to plan out the divorce process
- Avoid missteps that could impact your children or finances
Knowledge represents a kind of power. You can get the detailed information you need by reaching out to a law firm at any time of year, even after Divorce Day.
What’s Divorce Day and How Does It Affect You?
The first working Monday of the new year is Divorce Day, and it doesn’t have to affect you at all. However, many people who have been considering a divorce for a long time take the opportunity presented by the turning of the year to reach out to a law firm for help.
If you have questions about getting a divorce, you can turn to our team at Russell Alexander Family Lawyers for answers. We have over 250 years of combined legal experience, and we’re ready to provide the assistance that your family needs.
