Should I Wait Until After The Holidays To Get A Divorce In Fort Lauderdale?

For many couples, the end of the year brings big decisions. One of the most personal is whether to file for divorce now or wait until after the holidays.

It’s common to want to delay the process to protect children, avoid family drama, or start fresh in the new year. However, waiting isn’t always the best option for protecting your financial security or emotional well-being. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney explains what to consider before deciding whether to file now or wait until after January 1st.

Reasons To Wait Until the New Year To File For a Fort Lauderdale Divorce

Ending a marriage is never easy. Getting a divorce in Fort Lauderdale during the holidays can be particularly overwhelming. The following are common reasons some couples prefer to delay filing until the New Year:

• Parents often want to keep holiday routines stable for children and avoid emotional stress during an already busy season.
• Your marital status on December 31st determines your entire year’s filing status. Filing jointly for one last tax year can simplify returns and lower your tax bill.
• Waiting allows you to capture all marital income earned through December, which affects property division.
• Divorce is life-changing, and many couples want to get through the holidays first.
• The housing market is typically slow over the holidays, which can make moving out or selling the family home easier after the new year.

The timing of your divorce also affects how the Broward County Family Court views your income, assets, and support needs. Waiting could either work for or against you, depending on your circumstances.

Why You Might Not Want to Wait to File for Divorce In Fort Lauderdale

While you may not relish the thought of filing for a Fort Lauderdale divorce over the holidays, delaying it can also create new challenges. Here’s when waiting may hurt more than help:

• Section 61.075 of the Florida Statutes dictates that all marital assets and property be divided equitably in a divorce. Filing now prevents your spouse from draining accounts or attempting to hide assets or income during the holidays.
• Once you file, you can request temporary alimony, child support, or exclusive use of the marital home while your case proceeds.
• Filing sooner starts the clock on Florida’s mandatory 20-day waiting period and required financial disclosures, getting you closer to resolution.
• If the relationship has turned volatile or abusive, waiting prolongs unnecessary stress and potential harm.

Keep in mind that filing now doesn’t mean you’ll finalize your divorce before the holidays. It gives you time to prepare, gather evidence, and gain legal clarity about your rights.

Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Divorce Lawyer Before Making Your Decision

Timing your divorce is both a legal and emotional choice. At The Law Office of Sandra Bonfiglio, we help Broward County clients weigh their options while protecting their rights, finances, and overall well-being.

Before making your decision, speak with our experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney. Call or contact our office online to schedule a confidential consultation today.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/0061.html

browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family