National “Conscious Uncoupling” Day is January 21 – Why is January the Most Common Month to File for Divorce?

What is “Conscious Uncoupling”?

January 21st  is known as “National Conscious Uncoupling Day” in the United States. Research shows that almost 50% of marriages in this country will end in divorce or separation. This term of “conscious uncoupling” has been popularized to reduce the negative stigma and presumed expense and contention that the term “divorce”  brings to mind from movies such as War of the Roses. Gwyneth Paltrow is credited with normalizing  “conscious uncoupling” and the idea that a divorce can be managed with respect and with the best needs of the children first. Some people start this process during therapy and then move on to retain counsel. Others simply work together with their spouse and their respective attorneys to create a fair and reasonable agreement that leaves them friends and not foes for the future. While some may believe that divorce attorneys are opposed to such civility in the process, that is not the case. Many of my cases involve couples who are committed to working together to split up in a way that leaves no scars.

Reasons People File for Divorce in January – Options to Resolve Your Divorce Amicably and Quickly.

Popular theories are that the divorce rate spikes in January because spouses wish to wait until after the holidays for the sake of the children. Others seek to finish out a full year of employment so that respective incomes and tax consequences are clear. Still, others are motivated by the New Year and personal goals. Whatever your reasons, if a change in marital status is on your mind this January,  speak to an experienced divorce attorney as to the issues involved in your family, such as alimony, child support, custody and parenting time and equitable distribution. It is important for you to understand the process. You have options available both in and out of the court system, such as private mediation, court-offered mediation and four-way conferences, to help you “consciously uncouple.” My goal as a New Jersey divorce attorney is to resolve my clients’ cases as amicably as possible while still advocating for them to receive all that they are entitled to under the law.

Arm Yourself with Information from a Trusted, Experienced Family Law Attorney.

Knowledge is power. Contact me for a virtual case evaluation to discuss your personal concerns and what is important to you in your divorce. I can be reached by phone at 973.245.9854 or by email at Carole.Hafferty@offitkurman.com. I focus my practice on all aspects of family law, including spousal support, equitable division of assets and liabilities, division of closely held businesses, child support, child custody, relocation, cohabitation, termination/modification of alimony, post-judgment asset division and enforcement. Working alongside our team of professionals, I can help with your family law issues and other legal concerns that may arise as part of your divorce.