No matter what time of year you choose to file for divorce, it’s an emotional, lengthy, and often difficult process. Some people are opting to prepare for divorce in October and wait until after the holidays to file. It could be argued that this spooky time of year might be the best time to begin the end of your relationship.
October Divorce Decisions Can Be a Secret – Temporarily
If you retain a divorce lawyer in October, that’s when the journey begins. All the difficult early elements get underway – making the decision to divorce, determining your plan and timeline, making hard choices about interim orders and how they affect child custody, parenting time, and support – so you’re ready to ask for what you want when the time comes. Other benefits of filing in October?
- Avoid divorce season. January is divorce month, which can seem a callous moniker but it is accurate. Couples vow to make it through one last holiday married but now want a divorce as soon as possible. Unfortunately, divorce lawyers are busy at this time of year and there can be wait times to retain the family law attorney you want. Starting early can help you feel like you’re in progress once the holidays are over.
- Remain in control. Legal papers for the dissolution of marriage will only be served to your spouse when you’re ready. If your spouse has not filed yet or sought help from their own attorney that you know of, you have the power to make your decision when it’s right for you.
- Enjoy what’s ahead. Making the decision to divorce in October and making it through the holidays lets you go into the New Year with the hardest part behind you and the rest of your life ahead of you. Divorce can be daunting, scary, and anxiety-inducing. No one wants a New Year to begin on a tightrope of emotions. October filing can make sure some of those earliest emotions and decision-making pass sooner rather than later.
What October Divorce Decisions Are Not
If you celebrate Halloween, October can be a busy month. Kids are usually blissfully distracted but this holiday does require parent participation and if you’ve chosen to initiate a divorce, don’t put your kids in the middle no matter what season and don’t rely on the following:
- Leverage. It doesn’t matter who files for divorce first or when. Rushing to be ahead of your ex is futile because you ultimately need to go through your split at the same time whether you like it or not.
- Asset moving or hoarding. Retaining an attorney in October for an end-of-year filing is not about hiding assets, it’s about preparing for what’s to come and feeling like you have part of this journey under control. It’s a good idea to start building a financial picture so you know what’s yours.
Breaking the Michigan Divorce News
When will you tell your spouse you want a divorce? Will it be a mutual decision or a surprise? Contact Michigan Divorce Help in Mt. Clemens, MI, to discuss your circumstances and determine the best timing, wording, and location to serve papers and get your divorce started.
This blog post is not a substitute for legal advice.