Should I Wait Until After the Holidays to File for Divorce?

Now that it is the end of the holiday season, people everywhere are finishing up their shopping and preparing their homes to host grand feasts for out-of-town guests. For couples who are in an unhappy marriage, the holidays can be a difficult and stressful time, especially if the couple is on the brink of ending their marriage. One question our lawyers commonly get asked this time of year is, “Should I wait until after the holidays to file for divorce?”

Whether you should wait until the holidays are over depends on a few factors. If you are thinking about leaving your spouse this holiday season, you should ask yourself the following questions:

• Are your children still living at home?
• Do you have major plans for the holidays, like going out of state to visit family?
• Is your spouse abusive?
• Is your spouse addicted to drugs or alcohol?
• Do you think having family around during the holidays would help you emotionally if you were to file for divorce today?
• Do you have older children? If so, would they support your decision to file during the holidays?
• Has your spouse’s affair made it too difficult for you to live together?

Things to Consider If You Have Children

The decision to file for divorce after the holidays usually comes down to whether a couple wants to spend one last Christmas or Hanukkah together as a family. Couples who want to move on to the next chapter of their lives as soon as possible generally file for divorce before January 1^st. Couples who want to avoid the stress of managing the holidays and a divorce tend to wait until after January 1^st to file.

If you and your spouse feel you are capable putting on a smile for the kids and are willing to try to get along during the holidays, then waiting to file might make sense. If living together during the holidays will only cause more disputes between you and your spouse, it might be best to file for divorce as soon as possible.

Talk to a Legal Specialist in San Diego

At Family Law San Diego, our team of experienced lawyers are committed to helping clients throughout San Diego resolve their divorce disputes. We know that getting divorced can be one of the most difficult experiences you will ever have to go through, which is why we are here to provide you with compassionate legal representation. Our lawyers will guide you through every aspect of your case and ensure that your rights and interests are fully protected. Let us use our skills and resources to pursue a fair case result on your behalf.