Why January is "divorce month"

So, what exactly happens in those first three months of the year that makes seemingly happily wed couples join the estimated 40% of first marriages that end in divorce in the United States?

“People don’t want to be accused by friends, family that they were heartless right before Christmas,” said Miles Mason, a Memphis-based family and divorce lawyer.

“If somebody is coming to us in January, they made the decision to come see me or a lawyer before the holidays.”

For some, it’s all about the Benjamins. The end of the year means bonus season, a portion of which can be claimed as an asset from a spouse. Holding off until January will also not interfere with tax filings for the previous year, which most couples file jointly.