Divorce rates in Texas and around the country tend to rise sharply in March and August according to a study conducted by sociologists from the University of Washington in 2016. Experts believe that the biannual surge is caused by marital problems rising to the forefront when spouses spend more time in one another’s company. Divorce filings fall in September when children return to school and schedules go back to normal, and then they pick back up again during the holiday season.
People who are thinking of filing for divorce should plan carefully and avoid spur-of-the-moment actions. Before taking legal action, they may find it advisable to get a clear picture of the marital estate including the balances of bank and retirement accounts and the amount of installment and revolving debt. Couples who are unsure about divorce could enter what is known as discernment counseling. During these sessions, therapists help couples who are ambivalent to explore their feelings and decide whether or not their marriages are salvageable.
Experts advise parents who are considering divorce to refrain from telling their children what is going on until they have decided on a course of action. Bringing children into the conversation too early can place an additional burden on parents, and this may be especially true in the summer months when school is out and these issues could become overwhelming.
Negotiating matters like property division can be extremely difficult when spouses have put off filing for divorce and only took action when they reach their breaking points. When adversarial negotiations are unlikely to lead to an amicable resolution, experienced family law attorneys may suggest exploring other options. Collaborative divorce and mediation are designed to avoid conflict and find common ground, and they could be beneficial when children are involved who may be emotionally traumatized by prolonged legal battles and bitter custody disputes.