Is Divorce Seasonal? Research Shows Spike in Divorce Filings in August
For Immediate Release
Aug. 13, 2019
Local Expert: Collaborative Divorce Takes Whole Family Approach to Resolving Conflict
HARTFORD, Conn.; Aug. 13, 2019 – Vacations, outdoor events, the beginning of a new school year – for many, August is synonymous with family time. But for some, this month marks the season for divorce. Research from the University of Washington found the number of divorce filings in a number of states consistently peaked in the months of August and March. What’s behind the seasonal up-tick? Several factors could be at play.
“Rather than a time of fun, relaxation and parent-child bonding, holidays and vacations can lead to stress and disappointment as children and divorcing or divorced co-parents discover that these departures from the regular parenting schedule exacerbate existing difficulties or conflicts in the co-parenting relationship,” said Wendy Habelow, Ph.D., a divorce coach and child specialist with the Connecticut Collaborative Divorce Group (CCDG), a Hartford-based group of professionals that aims to keep these divorcing couples and their children out of court, using a popular method of family conflict resolution called Collaborative Divorce.
Unlike traditional divorce, Collaborative Divorce gives couples more control over the outcome of their separation. Rather than having a judge decide the family’s future through litigation, Collaborative Divorce allows couples to make flexible agreements that address the financial, psychological and legal aspects of divorce. In addition to often being less expensive than a traditional divorce, Collaborative Divorce takes the entire family into account.
“Traditional litigated divorce does little to help co-parents navigate their conflicts. In contrast, Collaborative Divorce provides co-parents with a model for how to resolve difference respectfully, amicably and in a child-focused manner,” Dr. Habelow said. “Husbands and wives divorce, but parents never do.”
The Collaborative team is often made up of a lawyer a financial expert and a mental health specialist. These jointly retained specialists help couples navigate divorce and negotiate solutions that are mutually beneficial. The Collaborative process is a popular alternative for those who don’t want the details of their divorce to be made public. This client-focused method is becoming increasingly popular with divorce attorneys who want to help make divorce less contentious and painful for families.
To learn more about collaborative divorce process, visit www.collaborativedivorce.com
CCDG members are available for in-person and telephone interviews.
CCDG is a group of experienced divorce professionals, including divorce and family lawyers, financial and mental health professionals who have been specifically trained in the collaborative process. Each member of the group has made a commitment to the goals of collaborative practice in order to help people achieve fair and lasting settlements without using the court or even the threat of court. Additionally, each member attends regular meetings and training sessions designed to develop and enhance their collaborative divorce skills. For more information visit: www.ctcollabrorativedivorce.com
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