For many couples that are teetering on the edge of divorce, Valentine’s Day is the make-it or break-it moment. Will he come through with a romantic gesture? Will she make you feel like a superhero? February 14 seems like a natural time to evaluate what’s right and what’s wrong. Unfortunately, for many pairs, a Michigan divorce soon follows the celebration of the heart.
The Valentine’s Effect
The online legal directory Avvo has given this time of year a name: The Valentine’s Effect. Searches for information about divorce consistently and prominently spike at Avvo around Valentine’s Day every year. People are looking for a Michigan divorce lawyer or a survival guide to divorce. They are ready to call it quits, and Valentine’s Day can be the final straw or the impetus for saying, “I want a divorce.”
Beware of Emotional Thinking
When you’re already in the middle of a divorce on Valentine’s Day, the holiday can take you in some dangerous directions. You may be so enraged by the focus on February 14 that you are spiteful in your divorce requests, but being belligerent or making unreasonable demands won’t make the split any easier.
Then again, you may fall into the opposite camp. You could be so bowled over by the romanticism of Valentine’s Day that you start thinking with your heart instead of your head, turning a little soft toward your soon-to-be ex, giving up parenting time or agreeing to a DIY divorce that you would otherwise not say yes to so easily.
It’s important to have a Michigan divorce attorney to help you ride the wave of emotions that can peak around Valentine’s Day.
Don’t Fall Prey to Valentine’s Day
There is the actual divorce, and there is the emotional divorce. Couples that have long been headed toward a split have been separating themselves from each other in their head and hearts for much longer than their divorce may have been going on. For other couples, a divorce may come as a surprise and they’re still adjusting to the reality of the situation.
No matter what camp you find yourself in, everyone is susceptible to the wiles of their ex – you did, after all, love them at one point. You may still love him or her. A few niceties by your ex, carefully time to be delivered on Valentine’s Day could sway you to give them what they want. Guard your heart, lead with your head, and remember that February 14 is just another day on the calendar. Divorce is permanent – make sure you are gentle and smart with your heart now so you don’t regret it later.
Are You Ready to File for a Michigan Divorce?
If this February 14 has you thinking about divorce or ready to file for divorce, get the support you need from an experienced Michigan divorce lawyer. Schedule a consultation with Michigan Divorce Help, PLLC in Macomb to discuss your case.