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Aug 21, 2024 by Foresight
Why Divorce Rates Spike in August
Across the UK, the trend in divorce rates exhibit a notable increase towards the end of summer, with August standing out as the peak month – a development which has captured the attention of experts and researchers, who suggest that the summer months, particularly August, play a pivotal role in marital breakups.
According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there is a notable increase in divorce filings during the summer months, with a peak typically observed in August. This trend not only reflects broader societal patterns and reinforces the idea that summer’s end is a significant time for relationship reassessment, but also highlights that as families experience shifts in routine and spend extended periods together, any underlying issues in relationships can become more pronounced, leading to a rise in divorce rates as August approaches.
But what do these factors really look like, and what are the most common trends that lead to this spike?
Join us as we take a closer look.
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There is an illusion of “summer repair”
Many couples enter the summer with high hopes of rekindling their relationships, with the summer break being seen as an opportunity to hit the reset button, however, the trend in divorce rates suggests that even with this sense of optimism, the period of extended time together can sometimes do more harm than good as couples find themselves feeling smothered, with little space of their own and feeling added pressure to ‘always do something together’.
According to licensed psychologist and family mediator, Lori Gephart, "many people may have been holding out hope that the more relaxed pace of summer break and summer vacations would help to mend their relationship… but unfortunately, this hope often fades, often leaving couples disillusioned as they realise that the underlying issues remain unresolved.”
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Family dynamics are examined
With children off school, holidays and heatwaves, summer tends to alter the typical structure of family routines, disrupting their usual rhythms. And whilst this may sound like a welcome break at first, the shift can actually been seen to exacerbate existing marital issues, as couples spend more time together in an environment that can amplify their differences.
Jenkins addresses this also, commenting that "when the kids get out of school, that pattern is disrupted… it causes parents to look around and wonder what they are doing, constantly find family activities and feel more agitated by spending so much more time with each other."
As a result, this means that what would be typically thought of as increased family bonding time can sometimes highlight problems that were previously overshadowed by the demands of everyday life.
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Empty nest syndrome is introduced
August is also a time where many parents face the reality of an empty nest, as children leave for university or further education, and it is not uncommon for this transition to lead to a re-evaluation of the marriage as couples find themselves alone.
In fact, Jenkins recounts a case where a client waited for her last child to leave for college before proceeding with a divorce, revealing how significant life changes can prompt a reconsideration of marital status.
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Delaying the inevitable for the ‘right moment’ is considered
Many couples also prefer not to disrupt their children's lives during the school year or to spoil planned family holidays.
Family therapist at Relate, Doctor Jane Smith, supports this, explaining that “many couples don’t like to break the news to their children during the school year because divorce often means uprooting their lives… because of this, they choose to delay the decision until the end of the summer, hoping to give their family one last normal family holiday experience before breaking the news.”
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Then comes the end-of-summer realisation
August signifies the end of the summer holidays, a time when many couples find themselves reassessing their relationship status, and according to a study from the University of Exeter, divorce rates consistently peak towards the end of summer, with August being the month with the highest number of filings.
This timing is partly because families have typically finished their holidays, and the festive season is still some time away, allowing for a degree of emotional distance before the year ends, though London-based solicitor, Sarah Jenkins, also notes that her marked increase in clients seeking divorce in August, aligns with the notion that the summer’s end prompts many to face the reality of their marital dissatisfaction head-on, as she sees “more clients coming into the office in August than any other month."
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And preparing for Christmas celebrations becomes urgent
Divorcing in August also allows children time to adjust before the festive season begins, with Dr Smith pointing out that "there may be a feeling of urgency to end the marriage in advance of the festive season so that children have time to adjust before the Christmas break" - a foresight which many believe will help mitigate the emotional impact of divorce during a time traditionally associated with family togetherness.
The spike in divorce rates in August is a multifaceted issue influenced by several key factors, and for many, August becomes a turning point where the reality of marital dissatisfaction leads to the decision to divorce.
Understanding these dynamics can provide valuable insights for those navigating their own relationships or considering the timing of significant life changes, whether that be seeking to improve a troubled marriage or contemplating divorce.
But no matter what, recognising the impact of seasonal changes and emotional readiness can be crucial in making informed decisions about the future.
Supporting families through challenging times
At Foresight, we understand the complexities and emotional challenges that come with divorce, and as the UK's most comprehensive panel of expert witnesses, we are here to support family law cases with expert insight and guidance.
Our industry-leading services help legal professionals save time and work smarter by sourcing the most suitably qualified and highly experienced experts to support their cases within LAA rates, if required – no matter the discipline, no matter the deadline.
If you would like to talk to our team about instructing one of our experts, please get in touch.
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