The Seasonal Trends of Divorce Filings: Insights from Experienced Family Law Attorneys
As a seasoned family law attorney with over 25 years of experience, Kirk Stange has observed a recurring trend in divorce filings. He notes that divorce cases tend to peak twice a year, with one surge occurring in late summer and the other in early spring. Stange, who runs a firm with 27 offices across nine states, has meticulously tracked the influx of new clients over the past decade, consistently witnessing this seasonal pattern.
While January is often dubbed "divorce month" due to New Year's resolutions, Stange reveals that it is actually one of the slowest months for divorce filings at his firm. The holiday season, encompassing Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year's, prompts parties to postpone initiating divorce proceedings, resulting in a significant drop in cases during December and January.
Raiford Palmer, a divorce lawyer in Chicago, echoes Stange's observations, emphasizing that clients with children prefer scheduling their divorces during less disruptive periods. After the holiday season and summer vacations, couples typically act before the new school year begins, following a wave-like pattern based on significant life events.
Research from the University of Washington supports these findings, indicating that divorce filings consistently peak in March and August. Sociology professor Julie Brines suggests that the anticipation of holidays and the prospect of new beginnings may delay divorce decisions, creating an optimism cycle that keeps couples together for a few more months.
Carol Lee Roberts, president of the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts, challenges the notion that sentimental reasons delay divorces, emphasizing that waiting periods and individual circumstances play a significant role in the timing of divorce filings. Despite fluctuations in monthly divorce rates, Roberts highlights a long-term trend of declining divorce rates in the U.S., with certain states reporting notably low or high rates.
Roberts also points out a notable demographic shift in divorce rates, with an increase in "gray divorces" among individuals over the age of 50. Factors contributing to this trend include longer life expectancy, multiple marriages, and women's increased financial independence. Women, in particular, are increasingly filing for divorce, often being the primary breadwinners in their households.
As Stange enjoys the slower pace of late summer at his firm, he anticipates a surge in calls and new clients in the coming months. Similar to a farmer preparing for a bumper crop, he plans to ramp up marketing efforts and hire additional staff to handle the expected increase in caseload. The seasonal nature of divorce filings underscores the cyclical nature of family law practice, with attorneys like Stange adapting to the ebb and flow of client demand.