Filing for divorce has been on your mind for quite some time. After many weeks of contemplation, you feel certain that your marriage is over. You are ready to take the steps to separate or divorce – you are just not sure when.
The holiday season is already full of stress and emotion, and adding a divorce into the mix can exacerbate this. However, putting the divorce off will only make the process last longer than necessary. There are pros and cons to ending your marriage before or after the holidays. Here, we will examine some points to help you reach your decision.
Divorcing before the holidays
If you cannot bear the thought of remaining in your marriage for any longer, then you should take the initiative to file as soon as you can. This means that you can finish the process as quickly as possible, without a delay from the holiday season. You will not have to endure holiday festivities with a partner with whom you no longer want to be with. The cons? Ending a relationship and going through the holidays alone can be very painful.
Divorcing after the holidays
Perhaps you and your spouse are on fairly amicable terms. If you feel that you can remain civil through the holiday season, then you may wish to put the separation off until after the New Year’s celebration. While this means that your divorce may be finalized later than you would wish, it also means that the holidays will not be overshadowed with the divorce proceedings and you will have someone to spend the holiday season with. If you have children, this is an opportunity to have one last holiday season as a family if that is what you wish.
I am still not sure what to do
A separation or divorce is not something you want to rush into. Take your time and consider the impact that it will have on your life and your children’s lives. This may be a good time to consult a divorce attorney and discuss the best time for you to file.