Divorce rarely happens overnight. It’s often the result of months or even years of built-up resentment, unresolved conflict, financial pressure, and emotional disconnect. For families, summer offers a natural pause in the usual routine, but for parents who are already struggling in their marriage, it can become a make-or-break season.
Parents often view summer as an opportunity to reconnect as a family, and for good reason. It’s a season full of anticipation, with vacations, theme parks, road trips, and visits with extended family. The slower pace and extra time together promise fun and meaningful bonding.
Unfortunately, for some couples, the stress doesn’t ease during summer—it often intensifies. With more time spent together, fewer distractions, and the pressure to create picture-perfect memories, unresolved issues can quickly surface. Instead of bringing families closer, summer can reveal just how far apart some couples have grown.
At Shaffer Family Law, we’re here to guide you through your legal options and support you every step of the way. If you’re facing challenges in your marriage this summer, know that you’re not alone. Studies show that divorce rates consistently peak in August.
Why Divorce Rates Increase at the End of Summer
- Consideration for Their Children: Many couples delay divorce to protect their children’s stability, often waiting until the children finish school or leave for college. This helps minimize disruptions during the school year and provides children with time to adjust before the new academic term begins.
- More Time Together: While summer is often seen as a time for family bonding, spending extended periods together without the usual breaks can sometimes cause the qualities you once admired in your partner to become sources of irritation.
- Falling Short of Expectations: When a much-anticipated vacation doesn’t live up to the promise, the resulting disappointment and frustration can widen the distance between partners.
- Financial Strain: The vacation you hoped would help heal your relationship can sometimes have the opposite effect, especially when finances are already tight. Financial challenges can push stress to the breaking point, intensifying tension and deepening existing conflicts.
- Time for Reflection: Summer gives you a chance to catch your breath and reset. With more time for yourself, you might start questioning if this relationship is really what you want, which can lead to some tough but necessary conversations about your future together.
- Infidelity: This is the opposite of spending quality time together. Yet, during the warm, carefree months—whether taking time off work, traveling for business, or on vacation—the likelihood of meeting someone new can sneak up on you.
Navigate Your Summer Divorce with Shaffer Family Law by Your Side
While it’s true that divorce filings often increase in August, the reality is there’s never a perfect time to end a marriage. It’s completely natural to want to stick it out and hope things will get better, but sometimes, staying in a broken relationship can do more harm than good. Persistent tension, ongoing conflict, and emotional stress take a significant toll, especially on children. In many cases, divorce can pave the way for a healthier, more stable environment for everyone involved.
At Shaffer Family Law, we understand how difficult and emotional these decisions can be. Whether you’re preparing to file for divorce this summer or just considering your options, our experienced family law attorneys are here to help. We’re equipped to handle every aspect of the divorce process—from providing clear answers to your questions to advocating for your rights—so you can confidently move forward in your new chapter.
Contact us at (480) 470-3030 or request an appointment online to learn how we can help you navigate this challenging time and work toward a positive outcome.
Sources:
https://www.businessinsider.com/why-divorce-rates-peak-in-august-2019-8