Optimism around marriage is still alive and well as illustrated by an approximate $57 billion wedding industry market valuation, even though statistics show that the U.S. divorce rate currently hovers around 50%. There is a seasonality when it comes to marriages, with most wedding festivities taking place during June, July and October. With half of those marriages estimated to end in separation, has a divorce season also emerged? Many family law professionals and their clients would agree that there is never a right time to experience the stress, emotional strain, and financial toll that is part of a divorce proceeding, but recent reports show that there is a 40% increase in divorce inquiries leading up to and following Valentine's Day—making it by default, the divorce time of year.

It may seem a little odd that the weeks surrounding the International Day of Love have become a beacon for divorce petitions, but if Valentine's Day is examined in a broader context, it does shine some light on why it is an optimum time of year. The increase in divorce inquiries, legal separations, and filings can be attributed to life events building up to Feb. 14. The holidays, for many couples who haven't made the final decision to divorce, serve as a "last chance" to work things out. This final attempt during the end of the year usually delays the initiation of a divorce proceeding. For those couples who have agreed to divorce but have not filed before the holidays hit, typically work to maintain traditional holiday behaviors with family and friends in an effort to minimize stress and focus on the needs of their children while they are still a singular family unit.