Is there a best time of year to get divorced?

The best time is when you're both ready, when two people have quietly accepted they've stopped growing together and it's better to be apart. That readiness matters more than any date on the calendar. That said, there are a few practical timing pieces worth knowing, because a little planning can save you money and stress. Your taxes turn on one date. Your marital status on December 31 sets your tax filing status for that whole year. If everything is final by then, you're treated as single for the entire year; if you wait, you can file jointly one last time, which is sometimes simpler and less expensive. There's no universally right answer, it depends on your numbers, so this is a great question for a tax professional, and I'm happy to point you to one. A couple of money details hinge on timing too. If you'll sell the family home, a married couple can exclude up to $500,000 of gain from capital gains tax; after the divorce is final, that usually drops to $250,000 per person. And bonuses often land in January or March, if one of you is expecting one, the timing can affect whether it's part of what you split. None of this has to be scary. It's just money, just energy, and we work through it together. There's also a real "January effect": family lawyers see inquiries jump 25 to 30 percent every January, with filings actually peaking around March. People get through the holidays, hit the new year, and feel ready for a fresh start. If that's you, you're in good company, but there's no prize for rushing. We'll move at a pace that lets you understand each step. So, no single best month. The right time is when you're ready, with a few tax and money details worth timing thoughtfully. Take a deep breath, we'll figure out the timing together.