Valentine’s Day is widely considered the most romantic day of the year. Whether we embrace it or not, February 14th has become synonymous with love, affection, greeting cards, and chocolates. However, for married couples, it can also bring pressure and highlight underlying relationship issues. The impact of Valentine’s Day on divorce can be significant, as it often amplifies emotional stress and relationship dissatisfaction, especially for those already experiencing marital challenges.
You have to buy a gift (or at least flowers) and do your best to turn up the romance with your spouse that day. If you thought that the pressure would be off once you tied the knot, then you would be wrong, at least in this regard.
All in all, Valentine’s Day has its plusses and its minuses. If you are a newlywed or a newly divorced person, your perspective may vary based on whether or not you wear a ring on your finger.
Those feelings of undying and everlasting love that you experienced upon your wedding day and in the months immediately after can quickly dissipate, yielding a broken heart and a less rosy opinion of Valentine’s Day.
Divorce and Valentine’s Day
Family law attorneys become even busier around Valentine’s Day with people interested in filing for divorce from their spouse. I’m not trying to make you laugh when I write that.
It’s not precisely that February 14th will cause you to lose all affection for your spouse; it probably has more to do with the fact that this time of year sees people ultimately coming out of the Holiday Season/Post Holiday Season coma.
You may have been responsible for cooking meals, hosting relatives, and buying/wrapping presents for kids over the six weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. January came and went quickly as you attempted to recover from the Holidays. You stand ready and willing to consider making a change in your life now that your head is more straightforward.
It could be that you were looking at the Holidays as a time for you to grow closer to your spouse or that you were almost sure that you were ready to file for divorce before Thanksgiving. The holidays solidified that belief after all the turkey presents. The Christmas Tree was gone and forgotten.
Now that February is here and Spring is around the corner, your inner clock is telling you is no better time than now to get the ball rolling on a divorce.
Moving forward with a February Divorce
Divorces frequently occur in February. With that said, you do not want to go into a divorce without a plan of attack. While it is commendable for you to have considered long and hard to file, and now you’ve finally decided to move forward, it is wrong to do so without having first thought through your goals and then considering how to go about accomplishing those goals.
First and foremost, consider how your divorce will affect your children. With the holidays over, school in full swing, and Spring Break still weeks away, February is often seen as a good time to file for divorce. You can have your kids’ full attention to explain and discuss your decision to file for divorce to the extent that you are comfortable.
You know your family dynamic better than anyone, and it may be better for you and your children for you to file during a time of the year that is busier to offer distractions to your children. Many people start the divorce process in February to allow time for a complete discussion of the subject. Then a vacation opportunity arises just a few weeks later to “get away from it all” with your children.
Processing Divorce Documents in February
Secondly, by February, most people have received all of the documents they need to file their taxes and are beginning to think about filing their tax returns. They need financial records to proceed with and complete a divorce as well. While those documents are out, they should make a copy, file their Divorce Petition, and get moving with their divorce.
One of the most frustrating parts of a divorce case is asking a client for tax returns, pay stubs, etc. It takes them weeks or even months to get those in. If you are eager to complete your divorce and reach an amicable conclusion, filing in February may be a good idea as the documents you need to prepare for your divorce lawyer are likely to be within arm’s reach.
Lastly, as you have probably realized, filing for divorce means that you may no longer be living with your spouse and may even need to consider moving the children with you depending on your particular circumstances. If so, it is difficult to do this during the school year and risk creating an alternative schedule for your children. Stability and consistency are paramount for the children of divorced parents, so this would be something to avoid.
Starting a divorce in February may allow you to proceed along your divorce timeline and conclude your case when summer begins.
That way, if you do need to move with your children, they will be able to acclimate themselves to a new schedule and routine when their calendars are more flexible than during a more rigid time like when school is in session.
Conclusion
The impact of Valentine’s Day on divorce can be more profound than many realize, especially for couples already facing relationship struggles. The expectations of romance and affection on this day may amplify feelings of dissatisfaction or disconnection, making underlying issues more apparent. Understanding how this holiday can affect your relationship dynamics is important, as it may serve as a trigger for reevaluating the state of your marriage. By recognizing these emotional pressures, couples can address concerns proactively and work toward a healthier relationship or a more informed decision about their future.
Questions about divorce? Contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC
If you find yourself with questions regarding divorce or any other subject in family law, please do not hesitate to contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC. One of our licensed divorce attorneys is available six days a week to meet with you in a free-of-charge consultation. We represent clients across southeast Texas and would be honored to speak to you about the services that we can provide to you and your family.
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Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC | Spring Divorce Lawyers
The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, routinely handles matters that affect children and families. If you have questions regarding divorce, it’s essential to speak with one of our Spring, TX Divorce Lawyers right away to protect your rights.
Our divorce lawyers in Spring, TX, are skilled at listening to your goals during this trying process and developing a strategy to meet those goals. Contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC by calling (281) 810-9760 or submit your contact information in our online form.
Bryan Fagan, a native of Atascocita, Texas, is a dedicated family law attorney inspired by John Grisham’s “The Pelican Brief.” He is the first lawyer in his family, which includes two adopted brothers. Bryan’s commitment to family is personal and professional; he cared for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s while completing his degree and attended the South Texas College of Law at night.
Married with three children, Bryan’s personal experiences enrich his understanding of family dynamics, which is central to his legal practice. He specializes in family law, offering innovative and efficient legal services. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, Bryan is part of an elite group of legal professionals committed to ongoing education and high-level expertise.
His legal practice covers divorce, custody disputes, property disputes, adoption, paternity, and mediation. Bryan is also experienced in drafting marital property agreements. He leads a team dedicated to complex family law cases and protecting families from false CPS allegations.
Based in Houston, Bryan is active in the Houston Family Law Sector of the Houston Bar Association and various family law groups in Texas. His deep understanding of family values and his professional dedication make him a compassionate advocate for families navigating Texas family law.