Why the first Monday in January is known as 'Divorce Day'

A new year often comes with big changes, and for some that means divorce.

“We do experience an increase in intakes this time of year especially,” said Jessica Chapman of Chapman Family Law.

The first Monday in January is anecdotally known as “Divorce Day” because of that spike. Chapman said there are a couple reasons for that.

“Firstly, a lot of people have this new year energy where they think, ‘OK, new chapter, new year’s resolutions, new version of me,’ and for a lot of people that new version of their life might be one without their current partner,” said Chapman. “Secondly, as we all know, there's a lot of family time over the holiday season and sometimes that's family within close proximity to one another … and for relationships that are already sort of rocky, the holiday season can be a last straw.”

For those seeking a separation or divorce, it can be overwhelming.

“Whether you're the deciding factor or not in this relationship dissolution, you're going to grieve because it's hard. It's change, it's loss,” said Dianna Lesperance, a registered counselling therapist.

She also sees an increase in people seeking counselling during the month of January and into February.

Lesperance is also a divorce and separation coach. She helps people navigate this chapter of their life.

“A divorce coach is like a thinking partner. It's someone who helps you gather resources, supports you through the information gathering process. It's someone to help strategize your exit from your relationship,” she said.

While divorce can be the answer for some couples, it’s not the case for everyone.

“If you're on the fence about leaving your partner and you still love them and you wish to be with them, it's worth seeking therapy, going to couples counselling,” said Chapman. “Improving your communication, even if your relationship doesn't work out, there's so much to be said about improving your communication through your separation and divorce as well, so couples counselling is very helpful whether you decide to stay or to go.”