Around this time of year, many people are planning holiday festivities, buying and wrapping gifts and dreaming about the traditional treats that they will enjoy come Christmas. A recent Huffington Post piece serves as a reminder that for many unhappy spouses, this very well could be a countdown to beginning the divorce process.

History suggests that come January, divorce lawyers will have more men and women seeking their help. There are various reasons why the rate of divorce filings tends to increase at the beginning of the new year. The following are just a couple of the possible causes of action:

Simplify financial matters

In some divorce cases, beginning the legal process at the start of the new year could help reduce questions regarding taxes. Also, a January filing can set a clear line where assets earned by spouses stopped being shared. Specific to the holiday season, the filer might want to wait to divorce until after their spouse earns the seasonal bonus that some employers pay.

Symbolic time

It might be cliché, but many people still make New Year’s resolutions. The hope is that they might set a goal and improve their lives. It is common for people to focus on what will make them happier and healthier when a year ends and a new one begins, and for some, their health and happiness depends on getting out of their marriage.

The above points are just a couple of many possible reasons why January has earned the nickname “Divorce Month.” Individuals are motivated differently from case to case but all have a general, respectable goal in mind: to move on and improve their lives. January is just as good of a time as any to get started on a path to a happier family situation.

Source: Huffington Post, “Three Reasons Why January May Be the Best Time to File for Divorce,” Bari Zell Weinbergery, Dec. 11, 2013