- 15
- February
2013
Does Valentine’s Day cause divorce?
According to Avvo.com, 40 percent more people seek divorce advice on Feb. 15 than on Valentine’s Day. According to AttorneyFee.com, the number of people seeking attorney referrals or divorce advice jumps 38 percent on Feb. 15. Furthermore, AttorneyFee.com says that February has a divorce filing rate that is 18 percent higher than any other month. So what gives? Does Valentine’s Day drive already struggling couples to call it quits? Or is it just coincidence?
While there’s not much to go on aside from the increased number of people looking for legal advice, some experts in the field say it’s not far-fetched to point to Valentine’s Day as a factor. For couples who are already trying to navigate stormy waters, having to endure a day devoted to love and romance may be too much. Even if you don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, it’s almost impossible to avoid knowing it’s arrived.
But others say there are a few things about the month of February in general that may have an effect on so many couples. First, it’s colder than other months. While we don’t have it too bad here in San Bernardino, it’s not uncommon to dip down into the 40s. When cold winds blow, most people huddle up inside. Some experts say spending too much time inside together can lead some couples to a breaking point.
Others point to bankruptcy filings, which are highest in January. If a couple is struggling financially, divorcing can exacerbate that, so some may hold off on divorce until they’re a little more stable.
While it’s probably safe to say that Valentine’s Day may not be the most welcomed holiday for couples who are contemplating divorce, but it’s hard to say if it actually causes divorce. Divorce is often the result of several problems, not just one day, but in the end it’s usually the right decision for both people involved.
Source: CNN, "Day after Valentine’s kicks off divorce season," Chris Isidore, Feb. 15, 2013