Is your marriage over, but you and your spouse haven’t taken steps toward divorce yet? If so, it can seem fake to plaster on your “happy face” and smile through all of the holiday events that are coming up.
Here are some reasons why you might want to try anyway:
1. You have children.
Whether your kids are little or grown adults, your decision to divorce is going to affect them emotionally. You don’t necessarily want to tie such strong emotions to the holidays for them from this point forward by an ill-timed announcement and separation.
2. It could be easier financially to wait.
Aside from the fact that the holidays are already financially a strain for most people, it could be a lot worse if you’re in the midst of a divorce. Not only will you be facing legal fees, but you’ll also have extra expenses related to setting up a new household.
3. It may be easier on your stress level.
Do you really want to deal with the questions from friends and family members? Do you really want your focus at this time of year to be taken away from the other things that are important to you? Waiting until after the holidays to file for divorce will give you — and everyone else — plenty of time to adjust before the holidays come around.
4. The divorce may be easier.
Often, there are financial ties between a couple that can’t be easily divided until you have all of the records you need — and that includes your tax returns. A few more weeks of waiting will give you a chance to gather all of the records you need to do a thorough accounting of the marital income and assets.
Ultimately, these are all good reasons to wait until January to divorce. They’re worth considering — but only if your situation isn’t so toxic that you already feel yourself withering away inside. If the idea of staying in your situation has become truly intolerable, talk with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
