Though the holiday season can be a time to share laughs and memories with loved ones, many people also find it to be hectic and stressful, especially if you have been considering divorce. The magic of the holiday spirit can get lost in increased stress levels related to the extra pressure of gift-buying, social events, and fighting through doubts about your marriage and its future.
If you’re in the process of divorcing or considering filing, we understand the overwhelm that you may be feeling as we head into the busiest time of the year. And you are not alone.
At C.E. Borman, our team understands that every family’s situation is different. With years of experience in Texas family law, our compassionate attorneys are here to guide you through this difficult decision.
In this blog, we touch on why timing your divorce matters and what factors you should consider before filing.
What Should You Consider Before Filing for Divorce?
Divorce is typically a big bundle of stress and one of the most life-changing events you’ll ever experience. For many people, divorcing during the holiday season only compounds the stress of the holidays and the stress of divorce.
If you’re considering dissolving your marriage, you might want to postpone divorce filing until the holidays are over. Some factors to consider include:
- The impact on children: If you have young children, delaying the divorce might help preserve their holiday joy and reduce the emotional strain.
- Your emotional well-being: Divorce is one of life’s most stressful events. Adding it to an already hectic season can take a toll on your mental health.
- Financial implications: Property division laws in Texas can affect how bonuses, gifts, or holiday income are split. It’s best to consult with an attorney to understand how timing your divorce may impact your assets.
Practical Reasons to Delay Filing for Divorce
If you’re considering waiting until after the holiday season to file for divorce, here are a few practical benefits:
- Marital Property Considerations: Under Texas law, any significant income your spouse receives, like a large Christmas bonus, would fall under marital property instead of separate property during divorce, and is subject to division as per Texas Family Code § 3.002 on community property.
- Shared Expenses: Continuing to share costs, such as mortgage or rent, utility bills, holiday gifts and other household expenses, can ease the financial burden during this costly time of year.
- Reduced Time Pressure: By delaying the divorce process, you’ll have more time to focus on holiday activities without the added stress of legal proceedings.
Emotional Reasons to Delay Filing for Divorce
The holiday season often brings up feelings of nostalgia and togetherness. For families with children, it can be a time to create joyful memories. Here are some emotional reasons to consider waiting:
- Managing Loneliness and Depression: Loneliness and depression over the holidays is common, and keeping the family together may help you emotionally get through December — especially if you can keep your focus on the joy of the season.
- Preserving Family Traditions: Divorce is typically tough on kids (at least on the short term), and you want the holidays to be happy occasions and not a time for future bad memories. Keeping the family unit intact, even temporarily, can make the holidays more bearable, especially for children.
Reasons to Go through with Divorce
Keep in mind that each divorce is different. However, there are cases where moving forward with divorce proceedings right away might be the best choice:
- High Conflict Situations: If your marriage is a source of high conflict, you may experience tremendous freedom by ending the relationship as soon as possible. Prolonging a toxic relationship can affect your mental health, especially during an already stressful season.
- Financial Stability: If finances aren’t a big concern, filing for divorce may outweigh financial factors by bringing you peace of mind. In such cases, prioritizing your emotional well-being over financial concerns can be more beneficial.
- No Dependent Children: With gray divorce in particular where no children still live at home, divorcing over the holidays may not affect your children like it would if they were younger.
Because divorce is unique for each couple, it’s best to discuss your specific circumstances with an experienced divorce lawyer.
In Texas, there is a mandatory 60-day waiting period after filing for divorce before it can be finalized. This waiting period may affect your timeline if you are hoping to finalize your divorce quickly after the holidays.
Our experienced team at CE Borman can help you assess the pros and cons of filing for divorce during this busy season.
Contact Our Texas Divorce Attorneys at CE Borman Today
At C.E. Borman & Associates, we have dedicated our careers to helping families navigate the complexities of divorce. With years of experience, our team is committed to providing compassionate and professional support, tailored to your unique circumstances. We understand how difficult this decision can be, especially during the holidays, and we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today at 979-200-4725 to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.
