The Increase In Separations And Divorces After The Summer
The period after summer and the return to routine has become a critical time for many couples in Spain, since a notable increase in separations and divorces has been observed. This phenomenon, supported by statistics from the general council of the judiciary, reveals that September usually sees a significant increase in divorce requests.
Vacations, which should be a time for rest and enjoyment, often become a catalyst for reflection on the relationship. Prolonged cohabitation, together with the tensions inherent in vacation planning, can generate hitherto hidden relationship problems. Furthermore, returning to school, work, and family routines can intensify the need to make decisions about the future, both on a personal level and for home dynamics.
Let’s unravel the reality of the increase in divorces after the vacation and summer period. Here we will explore the reasons behind this increase, understanding in more depth the impact it can have on families, organization and the development of sons and daughters.
The increase in separations and divorces after the summer period is a widely recognized phenomenon and reality in Spain. According to data from the General Council of the Judiciary, September usually registers a 20% increase in divorce requests compared to the average for the rest of the year. In 2023, more than 25,000 divorce applications were filed in the last quarter of the year, marking a significant peak in the month of September.
The National Institute of Statistics (INE) corroborates this trend, pointing out that The number of divorces in the fourth quarter is usually 15% higher than in the third quarter, coinciding with the summer dates. In absolute terms, this translates into approximately 5,000 more divorces between the months of October and December. It is interesting to realize that this pattern is not exclusive to Spain. Studies in other European countries and the United States show similar trends, with increases ranging between 10% and 30% in the months after the summer.
Furthermore, statistics reveal that couples with school-age children are more likely to begin divorce proceedings in September, coinciding with the beginning of the academic year. This data suggests that many couples wait until the end of the holidays to make important decisions about their family future.
Reasons behind the increase
The increase in separations and divorces after summer seems to respond to a complex interaction of psychological, social and economic factors.
1. Intensive coexistence
Firstly, summer holidays usually involve a period of intensive coexistence between couples, often accompanied by their children. This prolonged time together can act as a magnifying glass, magnifying pre-existing problems in the relationship. that, for the rest of the year, may go unnoticed or ignored due to daily routines and work obligations.
2. Summer stress
The stress associated with planning and carrying out family vacations or trips also plays a crucial role. Organizing trips, managing the family budget and the need to coordinate joint activities can generate additional tensions in already fragile couples. Additionally, unmet expectations about what the “perfect vacation” should be like can lead to frustrations and conflicts.
On the other hand, vacations usually generate spaces dedicated purely to reflection that many people can take advantage of to evaluate their life and relationships. This introspection can lead to the conclusion that the couple’s relationship no longer meets personal needs or aspirations, precipitating the decision to separate or break up their relationship.
4. Return to routine
Finally, The return to routine after summer vacation can act as a catalyst for separation. Many couples who have made the decision to separate during the summer wait until the start of the school year to begin the procedures, seeking to minimize the impact on their children, enjoy one last family summer and take advantage of the return to normality to reorganize their lives.
Your family impact
The increase in divorces after the summer can have a significant impact on family functioning and dynamics, affecting all its members, especially children and younger people. The breakdown of the family unit can generate a series of emotional and practical challenges that require attention and careful management of the situation.
For sons and daughters, their parents’ divorce can be particularly difficult to process as it coincides with the start of the school year.. They may experience anxiety, sadness, anger or confusion, which can affect their academic performance and social relationships. It is crucial for parents to maintain open communication and provide ongoing emotional support during this transition.
Joint custody, increasingly common, involves a significant reorganization of daily life. Boys and girls must adapt to living in two different homes, which can be stressful but also beneficial if handled properly. Economically, divorce usually implies a reduction in the standard of living of both parties, which may have an impact on the activities and opportunities available to sons and daughters.
In conclusion, the increase in separations and divorces after the summer reflects a problem of accumulated tensions and the need to reevaluate relationships. It is essential to address these challenges with open communication and professional support. By prioritizing family well-being and seeking constructive solutions, many couples can find a path toward reconciliation or a healthy, well-managed separation.
