Kirk Stange, a family law attorney based in the United States, has observed distinct patterns in divorce filings, with peaks occurring in early spring and late summer. Stange, who has practiced family law for 25 years and oversees a firm with 27 offices across nine states, notes that these trends remain consistent across locations. During an interview, he likened the influx of divorce cases in these specific months to the annual rush that accountants experience during tax season.
His meticulous record-keeping over the past decade has revealed that divorce filings usually surge during March and April, as well as August and September. Stange points out that while many perceive January as a major month for divorce—often labeled “divorce month” due to New Year’s resolutions—the reality is quite different. According to him, January sees a significant slowdown, with a notable 50% drop in filings as people postpone decisions until after holiday celebrations.
Another family law practitioner, Raiford Palmer from Chicago, corroborates Stange’s observations. Palmer has been in the business for over 30 years and has traced similar seasonal trends among his clients, many of whom are parents. He notes that families often delay divorce proceedings to avoid disrupting the holiday season or school schedules, with significant filing drops observed during these critical family times.
In a comprehensive study conducted by the University of Washington, researchers analyzed divorce data from 2001 to 2015. Findings revealed consistent peaks in divorce filings during March and August, further supporting the notion that cultural and domestic factors significantly influence divorce timings. Julie Brines, a sociology professor involved in the research, explained that holidays often bring elevated expectations, prompting couples to wait before finalizing the end of their marriages.
Despite the ongoing discussions regarding seasonal divorce patterns, the overall divorce rate in the U.S. has shown a considerable decline, dropping from four per 1,000 people in 2000 to 2.4 per 1,000 in 2023, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This trend has been particularly evident in states like Louisiana and Illinois, which report the lowest divorce rates.
Interestingly, while younger couples are divorcing less frequently, older individuals are experiencing increasing divorce rates. Carol Lee Roberts, president of the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts, highlighted this phenomenon, noting a significant rise in divorces among those aged 50 and older. This trend aligns with what have been termed “gray divorces,” often driven by increased financial independence among women, who now frequently serve as primary breadwinners.
As the summer months draw closer, Stange prepares for an expected rise in divorce filings. He plans to ramp up marketing efforts and hire additional staff to manage the anticipated increase in new clients. “Late summer is like a bumper crop for us,” he quipped, preparing for what he expects will be a busy season ahead.
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