Surviving Valentine’s Day: A Chicago Divorce Lawyer’s Perspective

Broken Heart After Divorce

Surviving the holiday season while either going through or after a divorce is a huge feat. Unfortunately, there is little respite as Valentine’s Day approaches quickly after the winter holidays. As lonely as it can feel to be single or divorced on Valentine’s Day, it may be comforting to know that you are not alone and that Valentine’s Day can be a struggle. February is actually the most common month to file for divorce. Many divorce attorneys in Chicago refer to the period immediately following Valentine’s Day as “busy season.”

Avvo, Inc., a web based expert-only legal forum and directory, reported that their data indicates that the amount of people requesting divorce-related information increases more than 40 percent during Valentine’s Day month in February. According to Leigh McMillan, Avvo, Inc.’s vice president of marketing, “the spike [in searching for divorce information] is so consistent and so prominent to warrant calling it the ‘Valentine’s Effect.'”

This surge in seeking for information and advice from divorce lawyers in Chicago and other cities may be attributed to Valentine’s Day acting as a trigger for individuals to reevaluate their current relationship. In some cases, this can prompt the decision of a divorce.

However, there are other factors that can be attributed to the rise in people seeking information and filing for divorce during February. One reason being that January is typically the most common month to file for bankruptcy. A money problem can put strain on any relationship, and may cause a rift between couples. In fact, The Marriage and Family Institute rates financial issues as the top-rated problem area for couples citing that it leads to stress and distress.

A second thought is the cold weather, especially in Chicago. Typically a gloomy winter dampens spirits and has a direct effect on people’s moods. Finally, there are the December holidays. Couples may have been contemplating divorce for some time, but decided to hold off until after the December holiday season for the sake of preserving the holiday spirit. By the time it is February, the excitement of the holiday season has disappeared, and the idea of making a change has once again emerged.

In order to make it through this year’s Valentine’s Day, remember that Valentine’s Day can be over-romanticized. The media, such as jewelry advertisements and Hallmark commercials, make Valentine’s Day seem much more glamorous than it actually is. Use it as a day for yourself. Rather than be down about your single status, take the time to celebrate yourself and the potential that your new future holds.

If you have any questions about divorce or divorce filings, please contact me.