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Emotional Stress and other Reasons Why Couples Divorce in January


Like what the popular song “Closing Time” says, “every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” As a new year begins, some couples may think of ending their marriage for a fresh start. 

According to statistics, there are many divorces being filed during the inaugural month of the year. There are many reasons for this. Some emotional stress which got a “push” because of the added holiday stress.  

This is a valid reason since the holidays will bring about reunions. The family takes vacations where they spend more time with each other. It may force couples to face matters they would rather sweep under the rug. 

Practical Reasons

Speaking of concealed issues, many couples decide to ignore problems or keep themselves busy with their work and hobbies. Some couples may already be considering divorce and may have even decided to file the petition already. But, sending out the summons during the holiday season seems too heartless.

Imagine serving the divorce papers during Christmas time. That will loom over like a dark cloud over all the festivities. Some of the divorces filed in January may have already been planned a month or two before. They just decided to be considerate, delaying the actual proceedings after the New Year has set in. 

Another practical reason is that the spouse contemplating divorce may realize that divorce has many implications, specifically, financial ones. Texas is one of many states that uphold the principle of community property, and before filing the divorce, the possible petitioner may have to check in with their lawyers to see if the assets are in order.

There are many spouses who decide to forego divorce and give the marriage another chance after they take a long, hard look at the possible scenarios and consequences that can arise from divorce. The thought of a long trial and the effects on the children, along with the assessment of all assets and debates on its distribution can give a couple the reason to pause.

Emotional Stress

There are many causes for added emotional stress. Aside from spending more time together, reunions and family gatherings can bring marital problems at the forefront. Even seemingly innocent questions from friends and family can trigger feelings of insecurity and inadequacy from one or both spouses. 

When these feelings arise at a time when the spouses are not preoccupied with work, they may become introspective and ask themselves questions like “why am I still here?” or “why do I put up with this?” 

Eventually, these questions could push someone to explore their options—divorce being one of them. 

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Mr. Hutton is a Divorce and Custody Lawyer based out of Round Rock, TX. His background is with child psychology at Arizona State University where he received a B.S. in 2006, and he continued this by working with the Children’s Right’s Clinic at the University of Texas School of Law where he received his J.D. in 2009. Throughout his practice, he has been a strong proponent of utilizing modern technology to improve his practice and the representation of his clients. He currently is the technology chair of CAFA of Travis County and is committed to improving and modernizing the practice of law in Texas. If you have any questions you can contact him at timothy.hutton@austintexaslegal.com

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