Why Are March and August the Most Common Months for Divorce in Illinois?

February 24th, 2025 by Tiffany Hughes

Divorce is a sensitive and complex process that many couples go through, and the appropriate timing of this life-changing event can vary significantly from couple to couple. Interestingly, from my years of practicing solely in the area of Family Law as an experienced Divorce Attorney, March and August are some of the most common months for divorce in Illinois. The high rates of divorce filings in the months of March and August are intriguing. Some of our speculations and theories on why the filings for divorce in the months of March and August happen are as follows:

New Year’s Resolutions and Self-Reflection

The beginning of a new year often prompts individuals to reflect on their lives and make resolutions for change. Many couples may start the year with the intention of working on their marriage, seeking counseling, or trying to resolve underlying issues. However, as the months progress, some couples realize that despite their efforts, their relationship is not improving or is even deteriorating further. By the time March rolls around, the reality may set in that the marriage is no longer sustainable, leading to an increase in divorce filings.

Winter Holidays and Divorce

Many people theorize the winter holidays and the family time that ensues is not the best time to file for divorce leading to low rates of divorce filings, as many couples don’t want to ruin the holidays by announcing the initiation of their separation or divorce proceedings. Another theory is that while some people find holidays with their families stressful, some also see this as a last effort to reconcile and rebuild their relationship. Either way, there is a sharp increase in divorces being filed right after or a few months after the holidays.

Summer Vacations and Family Time

Summer vacations and family time can either strengthen a marriage or highlight existing issues. Spending extended periods together during the summer can magnify underlying problems and differences between couples. Moreover, the stress of planning and executing family vacations, coupled with increased financial strain, can exacerbate marital tensions.

As the summer comes to an end in August, couples may decide that they can no longer ignore these issues and choose to pursue divorce. The stress and disappointments experienced during the summer can act as a catalyst for couples to reevaluate their relationship and make the difficult decision to separate and initial divorce proceedings.

Divorce After Back-to-School and Lifestyle Changes

August is a month of significant change for families with school-aged children. The transition from summer vacation to the school year can be a stressful time, involving adjustments to schedules, routines, and responsibilities. For some couples, this period of change can bring underlying marital issues to the forefront, as they grapple with the challenges of co-parenting and managing family dynamics.

The realization that their marriage is negatively impacting their children’s well-being and adjustment to the new school year may prompt couples to initiate divorce proceedings in August. The desire to provide a more stable and harmonious environment for their children can be a motivating factor for many couples during this time.

Legal and Financial Considerations in Timing of Divorce

Finally, the timing of divorce filings may also be influenced by practical considerations, such as tax implications and financial planning. Many couples believe the best time to file for divorce is based on when they expect the divorce to be finalized as some aim to finalize their divorces by the end of the year or at the very beginning of the next to benefit from tax advantages and to start the new year with a clear financial plan.

While the reasons for the high rates of divorce filings in March and August in Illinois are multifaceted and complex, they often revolve around personal reflection, family dynamics, and practical considerations. Whether it’s the aftermath of the holiday season, the stress of summer vacations, the challenges of back-to-school transitions, or strategic legal and financial planning, these factors collectively contribute to the timing of divorce and many couples’ decision as to the best time to file for divorce. If you or someone you know is considering divorce, it’s essential to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced family law attorney to understand your rights, options, and the best course of action tailored to your unique circumstances.

Need More Information or Representation?

If you are thinking about or planning on filing for divorce in Illinois and are trying to determine the best time to file for divorce, give The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C. a call today at 773-893-0228 for a confidential,complimentary 30-minute phone consultation or email Tiffany Hughes directly at Tiffanyhughes@thugheslaw.com. Our entire practice is solely dedicated to the area of family law. We are highly experienced in providing legal representation to anyone who is filing for a divorce in Illinois, seeking assistance with timing of divorce filings after attempting marriage or family counseling, wanting representation in their divorce proceedings, trying to determine the best time to file for divorce, wanting to know more about the trends of high rates of divorce filings in Illinois in March and August, considering filing for divorce after back-to-school time or the winter holidays, or needing help navigating co-parenting and the financial strain of divorce.

      About Tiffany M. Hughes, Divorce Attorney, Principal, Managing Partner, The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C.:

Tiffany M. Hughes is a divorce attorney and Managing Partner of The Law office of Tiffany M. Hughes. Recognized as a Top 100 Lawyer in Lawyers Magazine in 2018 and 2019, Super Lawyer from 2016 to date, and in addition to numerous other accolades, Ms. Hughes represents individuals in all aspects of family and matrimonial law proceedings, including litigation, mediation, allocation of parental responsibility (formerly known as custody), parentage, divorce and other child-related matters.

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