Post Valentine’s Day Divorce Season | Illinois Divorce Attorney

 Posted on March 08, 2013 in Divorce

A recent article brought it to attention that February 15^th starts the busy season for divorce lawyers.  It is often true that people who were unhappy with their marriages heading into Valentine’s Day often decide they no longer want to be with the one they used to love after the romantic holiday.

A study of divorce filings in New York, Illinois, and California found that divorce rates in February increase about 18% compared to all other months.  It is also true that rates of people seeking referrals for divorce lawyers increase 38% following the holiday; the biggest spike is the day after Valentine’s.

Another site reported a 40% increase in those seeking information about approaching divorce in the period right after Valentine’s Day.

"There are a very large number of people who are considering the divorce all the time, deciding whether or not to file.  On Valentine’s Day, they take stock of things," said a co-founder of the site.

February also has other factors, other than the holiday, that could lead to an increased divorce rate.  January is often the busiest month of the year for bankruptcy filings, which brings attention to financial problems that very often divide couples.  It is also true that the cold February weather can keep couples who are having problems indoors and in closer proximity to one another, which could also add to problems.

However, Alton Abramowitz, president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, believes that it is solely the holiday itself that brings ends to marriages that were already having issues.

"There are always the clients who come in a day or two after saying ‘I can’t believe it, I made this beautiful dinner for my husband for Valentine’s Day, he called to say he was stuck in the office and then didn’t come home at all.’"

According to Abramowitz, Valentine’s Day can often create problems for people who are being unfaithful to a spouse which often lead to them finally getting caught.

"The person who is cheating is caught in the middle; they have to satisfy the spouse and their lover, and more often than not that’s an impossible feat to achieve," he stated.

If you are contemplating filing for divorce, it would be in your best interest to contact an Illinois divorce lawyer to represent you and your rights in court.