There is no “good” time for a divorce. Divorce is emotionally, physically and economically disabling.  Circumstances leading up to the divorce, the divorce process and the aftermath can be devastating. Various religious groups frown on ending a marriage which was “till death do we part” and psychologist suggest individual and couples counseling before filing for divorce. It’s December and statics show people rarely file for divorce in December. January however is so famous for its surge in divorce filings “Divorce Monday” has become an event in family law offices. Divorce filings just by one-third at the turn of a New Year. The holidays are over, the kids are back in school, and January is the busiest time of the year for online dating. According to the dating website Match.com, January 4, 2015 was the busiest day of the year for online dating. Other dating website report seeing a 26% – 38% jump in January registrations. Many see January, March and August as a time for new beginnings. Thanksgiving and Christmas didn’t go well – file in January, Valentine’s Day was heartbreaking – file in March, and summer vacation was a fiasco – file in August. This disappointment, frustration and unhappiness leads to emotional decision making –  which is not a formidable basis for a successful divorce.

The best time to file for a divorce is when you are emotionally, physically and financially ready. The response from an unexpecting spouse can be emotionally draining. Researchers have found people who file for divorce have 20% more chronic health conditions. Families suffer, relationships falter and workplace productivity declines. Psychologist, marriage counselors and lawyers agree, the best time to file a divorce is when you are certain you want a divorce and there is no hope of reconciliation. In addition to a physical and mental health check-up, interview family lawyers who specialize in your situation. Lawyers have access to state laws and legal requirements specific to your needs. They advise on alimony, custody and financial readiness. I have a friend who worked in a bank where one spouse entered from the front door and the other from the back. Both wanted to be the first to pull funds from a joint bank account.  The right lawyer will guide you through the process and be with you through the proceedings.

If your financial documents are in order, you’ve determined goals for alimony and/or child support, made necessary sales and purchases (once filed you can’t add or remove personal property), established living arrangements and notified children and live-in family members you are ready to file for divorce – regardless of what month it is.

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