It seems as though the beginning of a new year is a time for people to start over and make changes in their lives. How many Illinois residents make resolutions at this time of year to better themselves in some way? They take stock in their lives and look to weed out anything that did not serve them in the previous year. For some people, including many here in Illinois, this includes filing for divorce.
Illinois couples who began realizing last year that they no longer wanted to be married may have decided to table the subject until after the holidays, especially if they have children. No one wants to be the ‘Grinch who stole Christmas’ by announcing something this life-changing during the holiday season. In fact, this is the reason numerous sources say that the number of divorce filings increase dramatically in January.
In addition, any conflicts in a marriage prior to the holiday season could grow or feel amplified during the holidays due to the stresses that accompany the season. With everything else that is going on, people could find themselves less willing to compromise and tolerate each other. On the other hand, the spirit of the holidays could take over and give a couple hope. Sadly, once the new year begins, the reality of life settles back in, and the decision to end the marriage takes hold.
Regardless of why an Illinois couple may decide to file for divorce in January, they face the prospect of dividing the marital estate, determining what happens to the children and more. These decisions require an understanding of each person’s rights and responsibilities, along with what options are available. Learning about these and the process itself could go a long way toward reducing the stress people feel during this time in their lives.
