As the summer starts to wind down, divorce filings tend to heat up. August consistently sees a spike in separations, making it one of the busiest months for divorces in the entire year. Various seasonal factors and domestic patterns make the start of fall a time for couples to call it quits. From the end of busy summer vacations to the beginning of the new school year for families, this transitional time often prompts spouses to reevaluate their relationships or escape the financial and time constraints that may have delayed a split earlier. While we encourage our clients to exhaust all attempts to save their marriages before filing for divorce, we also monitor the frequency of filings and look for insight as to why the end of summer often results in a spike of divorce filings. HOPE FOR A SUMMER RESET Sometimes, couples having difficulties in their marriage look to summer as a time for a big reset. There’s excitement about vacations, extra time together, and a more relaxed pace when it comes to work, school, and other responsibilities. But when the usual routines are interrupted, the problems can become more evident. If a summer trip didn’t meet expectations, someone unhappy in a relationship might feel they can no longer hang on. Especially when there are children involved, some parents wait until after summer break in the hopes that they can give their kids one more “normal” or happy experience before moving forward with a divorce. TIMING TRANSITIONS August is traditionally a time of transition. Couples with children are trying to find the perfect moment before school starts back up for their kids and the busy holiday season begins to file for divorce. Many hope this window will help ease the financial burden before Christmas or Hanukkah arrives and minimize disruptions as their children start the academic year. They may have been considering leaving for quite some time, and don’t want to further complicate co-parenting plans, which naturally shift with school and holiday gatherings. For many couples, the timing of a divorce is about emotional readiness, finances, and minimizing disruptions for their children. After a summer vacation, someone might realize that time didn’t mend the broken relationship. The financial strain may be more apparent, or When Vacations Don’t Fix Vows Why Divorces Spike in August
Inspired by FromValeriesKitchen.com
Barbecue Chicken French Bread Pizza
Ingredients • 2 tbsp vegetable oil • 2 boneless, skinless
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1/2 cup marinara sauce 1 loaf French bread
chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
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1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
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1 tsp Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
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Fresh ground pepper, to taste 1/4 cup plus 3 tbsp barbecue sauce, divided
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Directions 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Line baking sheet with foil. 2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken with seasoned salt and pepper. 3. Reduce heat to medium and add 3 tbsp barbecue sauce. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, remove skillet from heat, and set aside. 4. In a small bowl, combine remaining barbecue sauce and marinara sauce. 5. Cut French bread in half and place on prepared baking sheet. Coat with the sauce mixture, top with chicken and red onions, then add shredded cheeses. 6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted. 7. Remove from oven and top with chopped cilantro. Allow to sit for about 5 minutes before serving! INSPIRATION “I am not embarrassed to tell you that I believe in miracles.” —Corazon Aquino
parents want to protect their children as they start school. Though it’s never an easy time for divorce, Douglass & Runger is here all year to help guide you through the process and move forward. Should you have questions about the divorce or separation process and the impact it may have on your children, please give us a call to schedule a case evaluation.
901-388-5805 • 3
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