Written by My Collaborative Team President Edward S. Sachs

While divorces are filed throughout the year, research has consistently found that filings tend to cluster at certain times. The two biggest peaks are January through March and late summer to early fall.

For those practicing Collaborative Divorce, these seasonal trends also present an opportunity. January and late summer are often good times to educate prospective clients about alternatives to litigation, as many people are making a considered decision to move forward rather than acting impulsively.  Use this slow time to review your marketing plan. Write a few blogs for publication later in the summer. Prepare your social media posts for the fall. 

Remember that during the summer, couples may wait until after family vacations and parents sometimes delay until children have started a new school year. The slower pace after summer gives people time to act on decisions they have been considering.

For someone contemplating divorce, the timing of beginning the Process can have legal and practical consequences. Educate your potential clients through your marketing campaign.  Let then know the importance of timing as it relates to receipt of a year-end bonus, vesting of stock options, payment of taxes, the sale of a business, or the beginning of a new school year and how they may affect financial planning, parenting arrangements, or simply reduce disruption to the family.

Most importantly, let them know how you can help guide them through a more peaceful Process.