Should I Wait Till Next Year To Get A Divorce In San Jose?
Dealing with all the practical matters and painful feelings surrounding the end of a marriage is rarely easy, but it can pose additional challenges at the end of the year. The holidays are a significant distraction, and seeing everyone celebrate may only serve to make your situation seem worse.
Undoubtedly, getting a divorce in San Jose can be difficult at the end of the year. In some cases, waiting until 2025 may be the best move. While only you can make this difficult choice, our San Jose divorce lawyer shares five common reasons for wanting to wait for the new year and the pros and cons of each:
- I don’t want to ruin the holidays.
- Pro: Waiting until next year avoids ruining your and your family’s holiday.
- Con: Just because you waited to file, issues between you and your spouse can make things awkward and will likely put a damper on the season.
- I want to spend one last holiday season with us all together for my children.
- Pro: Waiting to file gives you a chance to have one more holiday as a family, for your children’s sake.
- Con: Children generally know when trouble is amiss. Attempting to gloss it over for the holidays while also exposing them to ongoing hostility in the home may negatively impact them more than a separation would.
- It will be harder on me financially now than at the beginning of the year.
- Pro: Postponing a separation until the beginning of the year gives you more time to get your ducks in a row.
- Con: Your spouse likely knows you are contemplating a divorce and could use this time to drain bank accounts, run up debts, and hide assets.
- I need my spouse’s financial support and/or health benefits.
- Pros: Waiting until the beginning of the year provides time to save money and allows both you and any children you have to continue receiving health coverage.
- Cons: Few of us are disciplined enough to actually save money over the holidays. Plus, our San Jose divorce lawyer can request a temporary order through the California Courts to help ensure you have what you need.
- I don’t want to be tied up in divorce hearings over the holidays.
- Pros: There is no need to rush. Waiting until next year gives you time to consider whether a divorce is what you really want.
- Cons: Filing for a divorce now can provide important protections. Also, the Santa Clara County Court is closed for most winter holidays, so hearings can often be postponed until the new year anyway.
To Discuss Your Options, Contact Our San Jose Divorce Lawyer Today
Getting a divorce is one of the most challenging decisions you will ever make. Get the comprehensive support and trusted legal guidance you need now to protect yourself and your rights at Argyris Mah, LLP. To discuss your options, contact our office and schedule a confidential consultation with our experienced San Jose divorce lawyer today.
Sources:
selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/spousal-support/temporary
santaclara.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-division