If you are a planner, you may be wondering what the absolute ideal time of year is to get divorced. The answer, like any legal question, is, “it depends!” But there is a better time than others, especially if you have kids. In this blog, we will examine the pluses and minuses of divorcing at different times of the year. If you have specific financial questions regarding when is best, you absolutely will need to call and speak with a mediator who can guide you further.
Try to Avoid Holidays, Especially at the Start
If you have children, most people avoid starting a divorce during an important holiday. The last thing you want is to have your kids associate divorce with one of their favorite holidays. While some divorces can span months, if not years, a holiday may fall during the process, and that’s ok. The begging of the process is often the most emotional for clients and children will absolutely pick up on it. Even if you don’t have kids, the holidays can be a difficult time to go through the start of a divorce. If you can, try to begin the process while avoiding holidays that are special or important to your family.
Child Care Concerns
If you begin the divorce process during the summer, think about child care plans for mediation meetings. It may be hard to be able to coordinate mediation sessions with young children. We can do virtual mediation sessions for those who need the convenience of staying home, but it does require your focus. It may be best depending on your situation to begin divorce while school is in session.
Taxes & Law Changes
It is important to talk to your mediator about any upcoming changes to tax law that may dictate that you complete your divorce before a certain fiscal year. There are also different tax considerations regarding taking dependents on alternating years. It may be better to begin the divorce process before tax season so you can get these issues discussed before filing your taxes. While you may not have your divorce finalized, it will lay out a solid plan on how you can move forward.
Mediation for Divorce
Above all, the ideal time of the year is when you have made the decision that divorce is the direction you want to go. That isn’t always as clear or simple as it sounds. If you need time or information to weigh your options, we are happy to provide you with a free consultation. Schedule a consultation to discuss whether mediation is the right fit for your situation.