Why So Many Couples Choose January to Begin the Divorce Process in Massachusetts

Insights from Your Boston Metro-West & South Shore Family Law Attorneys

Each year, Massachusetts family law attorneys—including our team serving the Boston Metro-West area, Duxbury, and the South Shore—see a noticeable rise in divorce filings beginning in January. While this trend may seem surprising, the start of the new year often becomes a natural turning point for couples who have been weighing the difficult decision to end their marriage.

If you or someone you know is considering divorce, understanding both the emotional and legal landscape—including the December 1, 2025 Massachusetts child-support updates—can help make the process feel more manageable and grounded.

Why Divorce Filings Increase at the Start of a New Year

1. The Holidays Intensify Existing Stress

Even in the healthiest relationships, the holiday season can create pressure. For couples already facing conflict, the holidays may highlight existing challenges. Many individuals choose to wait until after the celebrations—especially when children or extended family are involved—before initiating the divorce process.

2. January Represents New Beginnings

A new year inspires big life changes. People set goals, reevaluate their circumstances, and often decide to move forward in a direction that better aligns with their emotional, financial, and personal well-being. For some, this includes ending a marriage.

3. Financial & Practical Timing

Many couples wait for the end of the calendar year due to:

•     Joint tax filing considerations
•     Year-end bonuses or income changes
•     Insurance plan resets
•     Children returning to school, creating fewer disruptions

This timing can also coincide with the need to understand updated Massachusetts laws, including the state’s new child-support guidelines effective December 1, 2025, which raised the income cap and updated how childcare costs are factored into support calculations.

Understanding the Massachusetts Divorce Process

Whether you’re facing a contested divorce or hoping for an amicable resolution, the initial process can be similar.

1. Preparing Documentation

This begins with gathering:

•     Financial information (income, expenses, assets, debts, tax returns)
•     Property records (Deeds, Mortgage Statements)
•     Details about your children, parenting schedules, and childcare needs

These details are especially important now that the updated guidelines address childcare costs and modern family structures—including the recognition of more than two legal parents in some situations.

2. Filing the Divorce Complaint:

         In a contested divorce, one spouse files a Complaint for Divorce seeking to end their marriage and asks the Court to grand a divorce and enter Orders relative to support (including child support or alimony), custody and parenting time, and division of assets.

3. Serving the Other Spouse

A process server, law enforcement officer, or signed waiver ensures the petition is received. This step must be formally documented before the case can move forward.

 (This is really rare, I would maybe just remove this).

5. Temporary Orders for Stability

Either spouse may ask the court to issue temporary orders concerning:

•     Parenting time
•     Child support
•     Who remains in the home
•     Monthly financial responsibilities

These orders help maintain structure during an emotionally vulnerable time.

6. Mandatory Financial Disclosure

Both spouses must exchange complete and accurate financial statements. These disclosures now play a critical role in calculating child support under the new Massachusetts guidelines effective December 1, 2025, especially for families with higher combined incomes or significant childcare expenses.  In addition, parties must exchange documents under Supplemental Probate and Family Court Rule 410, which include but are not limited to: paystubs, bank statements, retirement statements, tax returns, and documents relative to medical insurance. 

7. Negotiation or Mediation

Many Massachusetts couples resolve their cases through mediation or collaborative negotiation. If successful, the divorce proceeds as an uncontested matter—typically faster and less costly.

8. Litigation if Necessary

If major disagreements persist and the parties are unable to reach an agreement on all issues, the case will go to trial. A judge then makes final decisions about:

•     Parenting time and custody
•     Child support (including consideration of updated laws)
•     Property division
•     Financial responsibilities

9. The Final Judgment

After trial, the court issues a final Judgment ending the marriage. This judgment specifies how property, finances, parenting time, and support will be handled moving forward.

A Difficult Step—But Often a Thoughtful and Informed One

Choosing to file for divorce in January rarely stems from sudden holiday-season conflict. For most people, the decision has been building over months or even years. January simply provides a moment of clarity—a time when many feel better equipped to make a change.

At the same time, the emotional impact is significant. Ending a marriage is complex, even when it is the right choice. Consulting an experienced Boston Metro-West family law attorney can help you understand how current laws—including child-support updates, multi-parent recognition, and childcare cost considerations—will affect your specific situation.

Starting the Year with Clarity and Support

Whether you're in Boston, Metro-West[MP1] , Duxbury, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard or anywhere along the South Shore, understanding your options can make the divorce process less overwhelming.

If you or someone you care about is considering divorce, our team at Long Hagan Huff-Harris is here to help. We provide knowledgeable, compassionate guidance—including advice on how the December 1 Massachusetts child-support updates may influence your parenting and financial arrangements.

Reach out anytime to schedule a confidential consultation.