Summer is wedding season, but according to sociologists Julie Brines and Brian Serafini, late summer may also be divorce season. New York Magazine recently featured new findings that indicate divorce may follow seasonal trends. Brines’ and Serafini’s analysis of several U.S. states, including Washington, Ohio, Minnesota, Florida, and Arizona, shows that divorce filings were at their highest in March and August. The researchers believe that these trends may reflect a “last-ditch effort” by couples to repair their relationships during holiday seasons. According to a University of Washington press release,
“Troubled couples may see the holidays as a time to mend relationships and start anew: We’ll have a happy Christmas together as a family or take the kids for a nice camping trip, the thinking goes, and things will be better.”
As a result, divorce rates seem to be highest when the holiday spirit has passed. The approaching school year may also push couples to file for divorce before September, further accounting for the August peak.
Comments 2
Bridget Borden — March 20, 2020
As experts from divorce document preparation services mention, the paek season of divorce filing is usually connected to mid-spring (right after Christmas/Valentines day has passed) and after Independence Day in July, as far as plaintiff mention that they have tried to bring their relationship back to life.
James Henry — February 12, 2025
Interesting findings! It seems that just as summer is a popular time for weddings, late summer may also see a peak in divorce filings. The analysis by Brines and Serafini suggests that couples might be making a final attempt to repair their relationships during holidays, only to file for divorce later if things don't improve. Seasonal trends in personal decisions like this are fascinating and highlight how timing can play a role in life changes. Wakeid portal login