Divorce Filings Spike after the Holidays: Consider Uncontested Divorce

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Divorce Filings Spike after the Holidays: Have You Considered an Uncontested Divorce?

Posted on in Divorce

Texas uncontested divorce attorneyPeople tend to get through the holiday season amicably, but it seems that once the festivities are over, all bets are off and divorce filings increase. If your marriage is unhealthy and irreparable, perhaps the decision to file for a divorce is a part of your New Year’s resolution. Or maybe you simply put it off to avoid spoiling Christmas for the children and other family members. If you and your spouse have agreed to hold off until after the holidays, chances are you are on fairly good terms. You may be able to end the marriage through what is referred to as an uncontested divorce.

Uncontested Divorce

Couples who share children and assets, as well as those who want spousal support may want to consider an uncontested divorce. If you and your spouse can reach a big-picture agreement on issues including child custody, property division, and spousal maintenance this may be a good option for you.

However, it does not matter if you and your spouse have good communication, it is always a good idea to have a divorce attorney look over the details of the divorce to ensure issues surrounding finances and parenting do not surface in the future.

A Faster Process

In most cases, Texas has a minimum waiting period of 60 days from the filing date before a divorce can be finalized. Divorces in which the parties are friendly toward each other may be able to resolve any issues within a few months. On the other hand, contested divorces with complicated disputes can last a year or longer.

Signing after January 1

Keep in mind that if your spouse has year-end bonuses waiting until after the holidays may entitle you to some of that money as part of the division of marital assets. Filing for a divorce in January could also have some tax benefits. Instead of a mid-year divorce that could take several months, filing in the new year gives couples all year to wrap up the divorce and it will likely only impact one year of tax filings. 

On the other hand, if paperwork related to a divorce is signed before January 1, it may delay the ability to file taxes for the current year until all of the assets and finances are divided as part of the divorce. 

Contact a Texas Uncontested Divorce Lawyer

At Law Office of Brian Bagley, we will address any possible concerns you may have about your divorce. If you and your spouse can keep the process amicable and reduce the court’s involvement a Plano uncontested divorce attorney can guide you through the process. Call (972) 843-7158 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2019/01/09/divorce-rates-january-marriage-family-wedding-column/2502667002/

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