What Is Divorce Season That is Coming…Wait What?
“Divorce season” refers to the period, usually between January and March, when many couples decide to end their marriage. After enduring the stress of the holidays, many people come to terms with their unhappiness and begin to seek out their options for divorce like Mediation or Collaborative Divorce. It’s a time for reflection, planning, and learning about the healthiest ways to restructure a family.
Is There Really a Divorce Season?
Every year, divorce professionals notice a consistent pattern: inquiries and new cases surge right before the holidays and peak in the first few months of the new year. This trend has earned the nickname “divorce season.”
Couples often try to hold things together through Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s for the sake of family harmony or children. But too much time together during the holidays leave some couples taking stock of their relationships and realizing that something is fundamentally wrong. They see the start of a new year as an opportunity to reset their lives and seek happiness in new ways.
Divorce season isn’t about giving up. It is about restructuring your family in a way that is healthier and more sustainable for everyone.
The Collaborative Divorce Option
During divorce season, you may start exploring your options for how to divorce, including traditional litigation, Mediation, and Collaborative Divorce.
Collaborative Divorce is a team-based approach designed to keep you and your spouse out of court. You each hire your own collaboratively trained attorney, and together you work with neutral professionals, such as financial experts and mental health coaches, to resolve all issues in your case respectfully and privately.
- Financial neutrals help gather and interpret financial data so you can make informed financial decisions about how to divide your assets and determine any support.
- Mental health coaches support you emotionally through the divorce process, helping you to communicate effectively, stay focused on your goals and your children’s needs.
- Once agreements are reached, your attorneys prepare the legal documents that are finalized with minimal court involvement.
The Collaborative Divorce process keeps sensitive details out of the public record and reduces the stress of court appearances, providing a more dignified and private transition for your family.
Getting Through the Holidays and Beyond
If you find yourself feeling uneasy about your relationship during the holidays, know that it is okay to take small steps. For some, researching divorce options brings comfort and clarity. For others, it is enough to simply focus on getting through the season and gathering emotional strength.
The key is to take care of yourself and your family while you begin to explore your options. Divorce season does not have to mean conflict; it can be the start of a more peaceful and intentional chapter.
FAQs
1. Why does divorce season happen after the holidays?
Many people wait until after the holidays to avoid disrupting family traditions or to start fresh in the new year.
2. Is it better to prepare before filing for divorce?
Yes. Taking time to understand your finances, family needs, and process options, like Mediation or Collaborative Divorce, can help you make informed decisions.
3. What makes Collaborative Divorce different from going to court?
Collaborative Divorce focuses on teamwork, privacy, and problem-solving rather than courtroom battles and public filings.
Anna believes collaborative divorce can provide families with an opportunity to resolve disputes thoughtfully while maintaining greater control over outcomes and protecting what matters most. Her clients often appreciate her ability to combine calm guidance and emotional intelligence with practical strategy and clear advocacy.
Anna has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America (2023–2026), Super Lawyers (2019–2026), and Leading Lawyers (2021–2026). She is also the Past President of the Illinois State Bar Association, Past Chair of the Board of ISBA Mutual Insurance Company, and Past Executive Council Member of the National Conference of Bar Presidents. Anna is the current IL ABA Delegate and a Commissioner of the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession. She is also a multi-bestselling author, including her two children’s books: “My Parents Are Getting Divorced” and “Emma’s New Holidays”.
Anna offers appointments in-person or virtually via Zoom and serves clients throughout Chicago’s North Shore, including Northbrook, Park Ridge, Schaumburg, Oak Brook, and surrounding communities.
