With the holidays over, 'tis the season for divorces

While the busy-ness of the holidays is over, things are just now ramping up for divorce lawyers and family counselors.

"The beginning of the year is always rather brisk for us. An, I think there are a few reasons for that," said Ann Mills of Courtney & Mills Law Firm.

Experts say the winter months- January through March- is when most divorces happen. Mills says the increase can be as much as a 25% to 30%.

"People think of the holidays as the worst time to get a divorce. So, now the holidays are past, it is time to look on to the future and start the new year with a fresh slate," said Mills.

Counselors say many people want to just get through one last holiday as a family- with the kids- before calling it quits. Furthermore, some couples already on the rocks are strained by the stress of the holidays and depressing weather.

"Every single year I sit and talk with families about the family drama, the frustration, the stress they are experiencing," said Dr. Jennifer Baker, Clinical Psychologist/Marriage, and Family Therapist. And, sometimes they really just let the good things go out of their relationship during that period and confirms their theory or thought I just need to do something.

Another reason some couples wait until after the new year is financial in nature.

"The final reason is a practical one. If you get to the beginning of the year, you have got a tax return. It is easy to get the finances in order for an attorney," Mills.

Some marriages can't be saved, such as many where someone is in danger. For others- experts suggest seeing a couples counselor. Try to focus on the good things about your partner. Also, don't jump too soon.

Dr. Baker stated, "Give it some significant effort because I can tell you what, the price of a divorce is the same after Memorial Day as it is after New Year's Day. So, let's give it some time. You can set some time in the future you are going to decide about."

Experts say the months with the lowest rates of divorce filings are in the summer months- and the holidays themselves. People tend to stay busy with less time to dwell on their marital issues.