The end of the year can be a particularly trying time for already strained relationships. There are presents to buy, parties to attend and family to see. Often, the stress and obligations of the holiday season can stretch a marriage well past the breaking point. This may be one reason why there is a spike in divorce filings after the first of the year.
If you are thinking about moving forward with divorce, it is probably not simply because it’s Christmas. It is likely there are many issues that led up to this point, and the holidays simply brought many of those problems to light. Regardless of when you plan to file or the things that brought you to this point, now is the time to start taking steps to protect your interests and start preparing for the divorce process.
A not-so-festive time of year
For many, the holiday season is a time of being with family and friends. While being with the people you love may bring you joy, it’s possible that you and your spouse have very different ideas about what that looks like. You may want to do one thing, and he or she may want to do another. This can lead to disagreements, which can lead to serious problems in the relationship.
It’s possible that you realize you and your spouse have differences in how you view family and what you want to do with your time. This in itself may not be a deal breaker for you, but it could be one of the reasons that propels you toward divorce.
Money concerns
As you may know, money is one of the leading causes of divorce. Fundamental differences in how two people view money could come to light during the holidays because it is an expensive time of year. Money problems can surface, making it more likely that a divorce could be on the horizon.
Looking ahead
If you are still thinking about divorce or you are certain you will file after the first of the year, you may want to start preparing for your divorce now. There are steps you can take that will allow you to protect your interests and move forward through the divorce process with confidence. An assessment of your case with a North Dakota attorney can help you see what actions may be helpful and can provide you with an understanding of your rights and options.
