Divorce filings tend to spike at particular times of the year — a pattern that’s been consistently observed across North America. In a recent NPR article by Vanessa Romo, U.S.-based family lawyers noted sharp increases in divorce filings during early spring and late summer. However, based on our research and experience at Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers, the busiest time for divorce in Canada is actually January — commonly referred to as “Divorce Day.”
Seasonal Trends in the U.S.
Kirk Stange, a family law attorney practicing across nine states, reports that divorce filings in the U.S. often rise in March and April, and again in August and September. He compares this trend to the seasonal spike tax professionals face each spring. While January is popularly believed to be “divorce month,” Stange notes that December and January are usually quiet due to the holidays.
Chicago-based divorce lawyer Raiford Dalton Palmer shares similar insights, noting that many families delay filing until after family-centric periods like spring break or summer vacation. He estimates a 30–35% dip in filings during these bonding times, followed by a noticeable increase as routines normalize with the return to school or work.
A 2016 study by University of Washington sociologists confirms these patterns, identifying March and August as peak filing periods in Washington state. Researchers linked these trends to the “domestic ritual” calendar — where holidays, anniversaries, and vacations prompt reflection and decision-making about relationships.
January: Canada’s “Divorce Day”
While these U.S. patterns are compelling, our firm’s experience handling divorce and separation in Ontario shows a different picture. In Canada, January is overwhelmingly the busiest month for new divorce filings. The first working Monday after the New Year is so consistently active in family law circles that it has been dubbed “Divorce Day.”
This January surge can be attributed to several factors:
- Many couples avoid initiating separation proceedings during the holiday season, especially when children are involved.
- The New Year represents a symbolic fresh start, prompting individuals to act on decisions they may have been postponing.
- Financial planning and new resolutions often lead to a renewed focus on long-term personal well-being, including ending unhappy marriages.
Practical Implications for Families
Understanding these seasonal divorce patterns is more than just an academic exercise — it’s a valuable tool for planning and support. Whether you’re considering separation or are a professional supporting families, recognizing the emotional and practical forces behind these trends can lead to more empathetic, timely, and effective outcomes.
This article includes insights from Vanessa Romo’s NPR report, “Divorces tend to spike in early spring and late summer. Here’s why,” published June 5, 2025. Original article available here.
Additional commentary provided by Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers, based on our experience in Ontario family law.
