Once summer arrives, we seem busier than ever. Maybe it’s because we save many activities for the summer season – especially in families. When children are out of school and our schedules are less hectic, we are free to take vacations, have backyard parties, and apparently, get divorced. According to a study conducted by the University of Washington, divorce filing rates tend to spike during summertime. The research examined divorce filing for 14 years and found that the spike happened twice per year – August and March. Researchers thought the reason for the summertime spike was the increases in time spent together during the summer months.
Increases in quality time are good for marriages that are solid and happy but spending more time together when you are unhappily married can strain the fragile bonds keeping a couple together. Divorce is not typically an immediate thing. It’s usually the result of time spent unhappily marriage collecting grievances until there’s a tipping point. Many times, this tipping point happens during the summertime. Plus, kids are out of school during the summer, meaning families take vacations and spend time more hours together each day than they typically do. This can fray already strained nerves. If there are any good aspects to choosing to divorce during summer, it would be that you can create a parenting plan and strategy for how to navigate the process if you have children.
4 Tips to Make Your Divorce Less Stressful
If you’ve decided to get a divorce this summer, then you should work to make it less stressful and easier for yourself and your children if you have any.
Here are a few tips for those divorcing this summer:
- Do Some Research: When people think of research, they think of a rigid scholarly process, but you can do some informal research to prepare yourself for your divorce. What research looks like for you can change depending on your personal preference. Start easy by asking divorced friends, searching online for some articles and reading material about divorces, or even speaking to your soon-to-be ex-spouse if you’re still communicating. Researching and knowing what to expect can help make the process less stressful. It’s crucial that you begin visualizing and thinking about what life will look like after the divorce is finalized. It will help you feel more grounded.
- Choose an Attorney Early: Don’t wait to find an attorney. The divorce process is stressful and having an attorney you can trust by your side is important. You need to do your due diligence to ensure your attorney fits your needs and your personality. Find an attorney that can help you with all the issues you think you will face in your divorce. If you think your divorce will involve bankruptcy or estate planning – ask questions and make sure it’s a good fit.
- Family Therapy: Summer will give you and your family the necessary free time to meet with a therapist to discuss your feelings about the pending divorce. Speaking with a therapist will also give everyone in the family a safe space to discuss their emotions without fear of it impacting the divorce proceedings. Privacy is the hallmark of therapy, so it’s a great tool for you and your family during this difficult time.
- Get Organized: Divorce requires documentation – it’s a legal process after all. So, you will need to get organized and put all of your paperwork in order and within reach. You don’t want to wait for a request for your tax returns or financial statements to suddenly realize you aren’t sure where to find them. Start now putting together a file of documents you’ll need to make the filing and property division processes smooth. Your attorney can help you make a list of the exact documents your will need for your specific filing.
Customized Divorce Services
At Beatriz Zyne Law Office, we provide guidance and legal representation for families beginning the divorce process. If you and your spouse are moving forward with a divorce this summer, we can help you begin developing a strategy for your case. Call us now at (305) 876-6138 to schedule a consultation.