Should I Wait Until After the Holidays to Get a Divorce?
Marriages are meant to last forever, but the truth is that they can end at any time. The hardest part, though, is knowing when exactly to pull the plug. When the breakdown happens right before the holidays, you may be concerned about the aftermath, especially if you have children.
Should you start the divorce proceedings now, or wait until the first of the year? There are several things you need to consider in order to make the right decision and not make matters worse. While there is no right time, you do need to weigh the pros and cons. Here are some factors to keep in mind.
Protecting the Children
Children look forward to the holiday season with joy, so a plan to divorce right in the middle of it all can really rock their world. You should at least consider their feelings and opt for a sense of normalcy during this time.
Additional Stress
The holidays can be fun, but they bring about more stress than everyday activities. This can lead to more tension, especially when divorce is on the horizon. Instead of stressing out, focus on the children and the spirit of the holidays. Many couples have a positive mindset during this time so that the family can spend one last holiday season together before the split,
Logistical Challenges
Divorcing during the holidays could mean dividing finances and changing living situations. This will be a challenge if you have children looking forward to Christmas. The holidays are a time for togetherness and celebration, so it may make more sense and make things easier to just wait.
Abuse
If the marriage is toxic and there is abuse, you definitely want to start the divorce proceedings sooner rather than later. That’s because the holidays are stressful and overwhelming, and if abuse is already present, then it will likely escalate during this time.
Expenses
The holidays are expensive, and so is divorce. Gifts, celebrations, and traveling all cost money, and if you plan to divorce, you need to consider lawyer fees and court costs on top of that. Plus, you may need to pay for parenting classes, refinance your home, or look for new living arrangements. All this costs money, so be mindful of this as you decide on when to divorce. You’ll need to make sure you have enough funds to cover all these expenses.
Schedules
January is known as divorce month, so you can bet it’s a busy time of year. Your divorce may need to be delayed if you wait until the first of the year. It may be better to get things started before the holidays.
Seek Legal Help
When it comes to divorce, timing matters. The holidays are coming up and things can get tense. It can be hard to make plans and make everyone happy, especially when children are involved.
When’s the right time to divorce? Get solid advice from a Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Edward J. Jennings, P.A. We help clients through Florida divorce matters throughout Broward County. Call 954-764-4330 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.
Source:
mediate.com/should-we-wait-until-after-the-holidays-to-start-our-divorce/