Going Through a Divorce during the Holiday Season

Hallmark is starting to play Christmas shows, television programs are talking about Thanksgiving and children are putting together their wish list for Santa.  However, the pandemic has brought about an increase in family time, which has had its benefits, but also the balance is proven to be more “off” than “on” with a lot of spouses.  Separating and even breaking the union might be for the better.

Even though holidays traditionally mean more family time. Yet, divorce may be on your mind this holiday season, and if it is, what should you do about it? There are usually two reasons people do not want to get a divorce during the holidays. First because they do not want to “ruin the last holiday together as a family”, and second because they do not want to engage in a battle during a time intended for peace, family, and love.  The truth is that your divorce filing can be accomplished with civility and grace, and can be done in a way to signal your desire for fairness.

Filing for divorce is a necessary step to begin the divorce process. Divorce takes time, and divorce with children involved typically takes longer. While many prefer not to have to file during the holidays for fear it will ruin their “last” holiday as a family, bear in mind that divorce proceeds through the court system at its own pace and there is no need to immediately inform your children of the pending divorce proceeding. Your attorney can help you fashion your divorce filings to carry the tone and intention you want to set for the remainder of the proceedings. After consulting with your attorneys, you and your spouse can devise the best plan to share the divorce with your children. Getting a divorce does not have to be a battle.

While your attorney may be well-equipped to address aggressive divorce tactics, most couples are not interested in spending their life savings to damage each other in the uncoupling. If you are waiting to file for divorce because you do not want to risk battling during the holidays, consider the time it takes to process the divorce through the court system, and the choice you and your spouse can make in consultation with your attorneys to determine your best outcome with the least negative impact on your children. Your divorce can accomplish your holiday goals of peace, family, and love. Make sure to choose the right attorney to help reach the right result.

Having an attorney with the resources and knowledge to give you the best representation is vital to your interest and the interest of your family.  You also want to make sure they will exhaust all avenues and be willing to research, pursue and implement strategies to provide the best possible outcome.

 

Rob McAngus, Partner with Verner Brumley Parker, P.C., is Board Certified in family Law and his practice is devoted primarily to family law, including high conflict divorce, custody cases, and complex property issues. In addition to being selected on the Board of Directors for the Family Law Section of the Dallas Bar Association; he values your priorities as a parent and works with you to achieve the goals that will help transition your family to a new normal.  As both an adopted child and a member of a blended family, Rob can provide a unique perspective in the practice of family law.

 

Rob has been recognized in Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in 2016 through 2020, Best Lawyers, and recently The National Advocates recognized Rob as one of the Top 40 Under 40.  He can be reached by calling 214.526.5234 or email at rmcangus@vernerbrumley.com.  Mr. McAngus received his bachelor’s degree cum laude and master’s degree from Baylor University and graduated cum laude from the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University.