Bari Weinberger Explains January’s Uptick in NJ Divorce Filings

NJ family law attorney Bari Weinberger recently spoke to radio host Kelly Waldron at NJ 101.5 to talk about some of the reasons why January typically sees more couples in New Jersey file for divorce than any month of the year.

The top reason? Among couples who separated in 2013, many look at the New Year as “a sense of a fresh, new start,” said Weinberger. “For many couples who have decided to divorce but haven’t decided when to file, seeing the calendar year turn over to a new one gives them new motivation to finally move on to the next phase of their lives,” she added.

Other reasons?

The holidays are over. This is a big one for couples with children who just want to get through the holiday season without their kids needing to deal with divorce or splitting the holidays between two homes. “This is probably why the single day in January with the highest number of divorce filings is the same day schools go back into session after the winter break,” Weinberger noted.

It can also make financial sense, according to Weinberger. “People also want to make a clean financial break because it’s also the start of a new tax year.”

However, no matter what time of year it is, making the decision to get a divorce is never an easy one.

“Get advice, go talk to a lawyer, have a consultation and become educated,” Weinberger said. “You can also do some online research and read up on what needs to be done behind the scenes. And, when you’re ready, then meet with someone to find out about your rights and what the best options are for you. Whether it’s in January or whether it’s sometime into the future or even if you decide to stay with your spouse and work toward reconciliation, the key is to just be informed and make the best decision for you and your situation.”

Listen to the full audio here.