Rising temperatures, the Mediterranean climate, the temptations of summer, the greater variety of plans and people around us… These are some of the causes that citizens mention when asked about the reasons for the increase in divorces in summer. To talk about it, I have had the pleasure of participating again in the program OpinaCat program of 8TVsharing our experience from Crespo Law.
Why do divorces increase in summer?
There is no doubt that divorces increase after vacation periods.
In fact, in our firm we have noticed a significant increase in divorce and separation cases after the summer vac ations. This means that during the month of September we receive numerous queries that end in a breakup of the couple, either temporarily or permanently.
Our opinion is that the reasons are more complex than those mentioned above: in general, people take a long time to take the step of separating or divorcing, being a very meditated decision that only comes when all efforts have been made and all possible patience has been exercised.
In other words, we cannot speak of frivolity in making this type of decision, much less in those cases in which there are strong economic and patrimonial ties, as well as family ties. Sharing a mortgage and offspring makes us think long and hard before taking the step of breaking off a relationship. Of course, there are exceptions. For example, couples who break up after only one year or less of living together.
Perhaps this is because some couples decide to break up just in time, before acquiring commitments that necessarily bind them for life, such as having children together.
In this line, our experience tells us that, once this first temporary barrier is crossed, couples tend to last much longer.
In fact, the average length of marriage in Spain is around 16 years and the average age of breakup is 45 years, according to data provided by the National Institute of Statistics (INE).
The intense cohabitation during the vacations and the extra time for reflection outside of work are, in our opinion, the main causes of the increase in divorces after the vacations. Couples spend much more time together and it is a fact that the intensity of cohabitation can unleash quarrels and generate conflicts that are covered up during the day to day when we are immersed in the routine of the working months.
It is no coincidence that the number of divorces increased exponentially after the intense cohabitation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a result of these periods of reflection, many couples take the step during the month of September, but also during the month of January, after the Christmas vacations. Monotony, tiredness, discussions related to childcare or in-laws… are some of the most frequently encountered points of friction among the motivations of our clients.
In addition, there is a technical issue to take into account: since the courts are closed during the month of August, this is a month in which no divorce or separation can be processed.
In this sense, we also encounter many cases of couples who decide to take the step before the vacations.
Sometimes, fractions and differences arise before this period and what both parties want (or at least one of them) is to rest and avoid prolonging the relationship and the bureaucratic procedures for longer than necessary.
Finally, from our firm we also note that divorces that occur after periods of intense cohabitation are, in general, more conflictive, and it is also a fact that we find divorces in all types of age ranges.
It is no longer a stigma to separate: relationships have a more temporary basis and there are many couples who, due to the passage of time and the vortex of routine, no longer recognize each other.
When this situation arrives, after raising children and with all life goals accomplished – and bearing in mind that the quality of life we enjoy at an advanced age is not always the same as the quality of life we have in the past. at an advanced age many couples choose to enjoy the last years of their lives in a different way.
And when we know that time is limited, living in the desired way and surrounded by the right people becomes a priority.
From this space we would like to thank once again the OpinaCat team for inviting us to participate in this program.
If you have any questions related to Family Law, please contact our team of female lawyersWe will be happy to attend your case and advise you to reach the best solution to your conflict.
