Most
Minnesotans may think of Valentine's Day as a day for marriage proposals and
romantic dates and not as a day that would mark the end of a relationship.
However, those who study family law trends recently reported that, in fact, a
spouse is much more likely to file a divorce proceeding just
after the annual celebration of love.
One
study concluded that the number of marital dissolutions filed in February runs
18 percent higher than in an average month. The number of those seeking a divorce
attorney is also significantly higher. The number of inquiries to online
referral websites increases between 38 percent and 40 percent in the latter
half of February, depending upon which statistics one considers.
Some
attribute the February surge to other factors unrelated to Valentine's Day. For
example, January is the busiest month for bankruptcy filings, and financial
problems can often lead to dissolution of marriage. Furthermore, the winter
weather, especially in northern states like Minnesota, can force quarreling
couples to spend additional time together indoors, thereby increasing marital
friction.
Others,
however, believe that the holiday itself contributes to the increase in
dissolution filings. Disappointed expectations for the holiday may for some
married people be the "last straw" that leads them to seek a divorce.
Also, a person who has not been faithful to his or her spouse will often have
to juggle the holiday between his or her affair partner and a husband or wife.
A spouse is more likely to uncover his or her partner's affair in the midst of
this juggling act.
The
Valentine's Day season can be a great time to start or renew a relationship.
Unfortunately, it can also put a fatal strain on a troubled one.
Source: KFSM 5 News, "Day after Valentine's kicks off divorce season,"
Feb. 15, 2013
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