Most Divorces Happen In March

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It’s a seven letter word that tears couples apart, divorce. Nearly 50 percent of marriages end in divorce. But are couples more likely to split depending on the time of year?

March, the month for springtime, St. Patrick’s Day and divorce.

“It’s been a trend that’s been out there for years. I mean it’s literally been that way since I started,” says Ron Hettich, a divorce attorney.

According to an analysis by findlaw.com, more people are searching online for divorce starting in January and peaking in March. But why?

“Probably because they’ve had a long winter together.”

“I don’t really know it seems kind of random.”

“It’s tax season. Maybe people spent their money and Valentine’s is over with.”

Some experts have their own theories.

“We’re sick of winter, we’re probably sick of each other. We probably don’t get out enough,” says Gail Nelson, a marriage counselor. 

“We really think that it’s due to the holiday season for either one of a couple different reasons. Probably one that people don’t want to be alone for the holidays. Or two, maybe they have small children at home or something,” Hettich says.

But not to worry. Marriage counselors say there are several ways to avoid becoming one of the March couples.

“Try to do more before it gets too bad. Of course, communication is a huge thing. See what happens to your relationship when you’re your best self,” Nelson says.

And successful couples are following that advice.

“Think back to when you started. Why did you make this commitment to start with? What was there that drew you to that other person?” says Becky Christianson, who has been married for 48 years.

“Learn to listen to one another and get along,” says Leo Martinez, who has been in a relationship for ten years.

So, like winter, marriages can sometimes be impossible to wait out. But remember, springtime is just around the corner.

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the rate of divorce for second marriages is 60 percent and for third marriages 73 percent.