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Is January the ‘Divorce Month?’ More couples call it quits in the New Year

With the start of every New Year, people start thinking about what they did wrong the year before, or what they wish had gone better. Then they make plans to make big changes. Typical resolutions include things like losing weight or saving money. Interestingly, many married couples make the resolution to end their unsatisfying or dysfunctional marriage. They take the start of a new year as the perfect opportunity to start the new life they’ve been dreaming of.

Spouses may rush to see a divorce attorney in January because they gritted their teeth through the holidays, kept up appearances for family, and feel they finally have the opportunity to act. Unfortunately, that may mean they are contacting a divorce attorney in an emotional state and are not thinking things through clearly. They may be so ready to end their marriage they are ready to give up assets they shouldn’t, or are so fueled by anger and resentment they are asking for far too much.

As an experienced Franklin divorce attorney, I’ve seen these situations many times. The first priority is to carefully walk a client through the process and help them understand the stakes. It may be necessary for a client to talk to a financial planner. Can they even afford to get divorced? Can they afford the legal fees? Can they afford to pay for the house they are so determined to keep? Can they afford to support themselves without alimony? Getting vital information can help my client make the right decision as to whether to divorce or not.

After carefully looking at their finances, a client may decide they are better off to stay together, even if it means living separate lives emotionally. Or, a client may choose to attend marriage counseling and attempt to save the marriage.

For those who decide that divorce is really in their best interest, I help them devise an appropriate strategy. We look at all issues, including the division of assets, child custody and support, spousal support, estate planning, and more. I help clients identify their goals, and then we talk about what may be possible and then prioritize those goals. We try to meet those goals through mediation and negotiation, but we prepare to litigate when necessary.

In complex cases, I help clients with things like forensic financial analysis to uncover hidden assets, private investigation to uncover suspected infidelity, or legal protections where abuse is involved. I counsel clients on the appropriate steps to take in the early days of the split to protect their interests.

If you have decided that your marriage is no longer working for you and this is the year that you’re ready to start a new life, contact me, Judy A. Oxford, a dedicated Franklin divorce attorney, to help you build a strong case to get the best division of assets so you can start your new life on the right financial footing. Call my office at (615) 791-8511 or use my secure online form to schedule a free consultation. Get the trusted legal counsel you need to get the divorce settlement you deserve.