Every year around Valentine’s Day, someone says it:
“Don’t divorce filings go up this time of year?”
We had heard it enough times that we decided to stop guessing and look at the data ourselves. What we found wasn’t dramatic or sensational. It was consistent. January and February truly do show noticeable increases in divorce inquiries and filings — and the reasons behind that trend are more emotional than impulsive.
Let’s walk through what the numbers show — and what they may mean for you.
1. January Is Often Called “Divorce Month”
Family law professionals across the country frequently refer to January as “divorce month.” After Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, many couples reassess their relationships.
The holiday season can act as a pause button. Some couples choose to “push through” the holidays for the sake of children, family gatherings, or tradition. But once the decorations come down and real life resumes, unresolved issues are harder to ignore.
January becomes a moment of clarity.
2. Divorce Inquiries Increase Around Valentine’s Day
Reports and trend analyses have shown that divorce-related searches and legal inquiries often increase leading up to Valentine’s Day — in some cases by as much as 30–40%.
That number doesn’t suggest impulse. It suggests reflection.
Valentine’s Day centers on connection, closeness, and romance. When a relationship feels distant, strained, or disconnected, that contrast becomes more visible. The holiday doesn’t create the problem — it highlights what has already been there.
3. Breakups Often Cluster Around This Time
Studies have shown that breakups frequently occur shortly before or after Valentine’s Day, with a smaller percentage happening on the holiday itself.
Again, this isn’t about a single argument. It’s about timing. When expectations and reality collide, many people begin asking difficult but necessary questions:
- Is this sustainable?
- Have we truly addressed our issues?
- Do I see this improving?
For some, Valentine’s Day becomes a checkpoint.
4. The Day After Valentine’s Day Is Often Busy
In many jurisdictions, the days immediately following February 14th see a noticeable increase in divorce filings.
This isn’t surprising. If someone has been waiting for a sign, a moment, or confirmation that things won’t change, Valentine’s Day can serve as that emotional milestone.
For some, it reinforces hope.
For others, it confirms what they’ve already known.
5. Divorce Season Is About Clarity — Not Failure
One of the most important things we want to emphasize is this: choosing to move forward is not the same thing as failing.
The increase in January and February filings doesn’t reflect impulsivity. It reflects timing. It reflects emotional awareness. It reflects people who have been thinking, trying, and weighing their options — sometimes for months or even years.
When someone finally makes that first call to a divorce attorney, it is rarely a sudden decision. It’s usually the result of long consideration.
If This Season Feels Heavier Than Usual
If February feels different for you — heavier, quieter, more honest — you are not alone.
Data can tell us when trends happen, but it can’t measure what a person carries privately. If you’re questioning your next step, the most important thing you can do is gather information before making decisions.
Understanding your legal options does not obligate you to file. It simply gives you clarity.
At Wolf & Shore Law Group, we help individuals throughout Connecticut navigate divorce and custody matters with thoughtfulness and strength. Our goal is not to escalate conflict — it’s to help you move forward in a way that protects your future and your peace.
If you’re ready to understand your options, we’re here to have that conversation.