The new year brings a new marital status for some

January is usually a cold month, and it seems it is a chilly time for marriages too. It is reportedly the most popular time of year to file for divorce - so much so that in legal circles it has been nicknamed 'divorce month'.

According to statistics published by eDivorcePapers.com, January does indeed have the most legal breakups. Some people even go as far as to specify ‘divorce day’ claiming the first Monday after children go back to school -  or the start of the first full working week - is the most popular.

However although January is when people take the plunge, it seems people start gathering information much earlier. Meyer, who founded DivorcedWomenOnline.com, reports an increase in the number of page views of the website on Boxing Day.

But why is January such a popular month to instigate divorce?

• At the end of each year it is common to look back and reflect on the year gone by. By doing so, people who are not happy in their relationship may assess their situation and make a resolution to change it come the New Year.
• The holidays are an emotionally charged time of year and for a spouse, who is already feeling unhappy or angry, this may push them to breaking point. 
• Couples who have children and who are struggling with their marriages before Christmas often hold off until January because they want to give the kids one last happy Christmas together before they go their own way. 

If things are not going well in your relationship and you would like to talk to someone, then please contact one of our experienced couples counsellors at your local First Psychology centre below: 

Edinburgh: 0131-668-1440, www.edinburghtherapy.co.uk
Glasgow: 0141-404-5411, www.glasgowpsychology.co.uk
Borders: 01896-800-400, www.borderspsychology.co.uk