As October rolls in and the end of the year approaches, many couples considering divorce are faced with the question: Is now the right time to move forward with this process? For couples on the brink of separation, the winter holidays can make answering this question more difficult than it might otherwise be. The holidays are traditionally viewed as a time for family gatherings, celebrations and shared memories, which can decide to proceed with a divorce particularly complicated.
Deciding whether to begin the divorce process before or after the winter holidays is a personal decision, as everyone has unique needs and priorities. Some couples may choose to delay the formal process until after the holidays to avoid disrupting family traditions and sparing their children or relatives the stress during what is supposed to be a joyous time.
On the other hand, if the relationship is causing significant emotional pain or tension, waiting may not be the best option. If you are struggling in your marriage, it is possible that proceeding with the divorce process before the holidays could bring relief and allow you to more fully enjoy the season without the weight of unresolved marital issues on your back.
Considering how the divorce may affect your children
If you have children, the winter holidays can be particularly challenging to navigate during a divorce. If you decide to move forward with your divorce before the holidays are over, establishing a holiday parenting schedule can help prevent confusion and minimize conflict. If you decide to remain together until January, it’s important to set expectations so that you and your spouse are less likely to fight and project tension in ways that could affect everyone in the coming months.
Thinking ahead to the money issues associated with the holidays
The holiday season often inspires unique financial obligations, from gift-giving to travel expenses. If you’re planning to file for divorce in the coming months, it’s going to be important to consider how the financial strain of the holidays might affect your divorce proceedings. To avoid unnecessary stress, it’s a good idea to create a holiday budget and stick to it. Open communication with your spouse about holiday spending, especially if you’re still sharing finances, can help prevent disputes.
There is nothing wrong with timing your divorce however you – uniquely – need to. Just keep in mind that wherever you land, you’ll want to seek legal guidance as proactively as possible. Doing so can help you to safeguard your interests whenever you decide to move forward.