Question: Why is January the -divorce month'?
Mona Emera: The most common reason given by people seeking advice in January is simply that the new year is the natural time for them to reassess their lives. Another feeling experienced by many people is that the stress and closeness of the festive period brought up issues that they can no longer ignore.
Question: Why is there a spike in divorce enquiries in January?
Mona Emera: People tend to be more motivated to sort out their lives at the start of the year. Many are also on holidays and have the spare time available to do so.
Question: Are more Australians getting divorced, every year?
Mona Emera: The most recent figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show a recent increase in the number of divorces granted in Australia, but the rate of divorce is steady.
There were 48,517 divorces granted in 2015 in Australia, which is a 4.3 per cent jump from the 46,498 divorces granted in 2014.
The crude divorce rate did not change from 2014 and remains steady at two divorces for every thousand people in 2015.
Question: What is your initial advice for someone who unexpected finds themselves a part of the annual surge of separations?
Mona Emera: It is important to understand the legal and practical consequences of separation before you start the formal process. It's also a good idea to try to keep things civil, especially if there are children involved. People shouldn't be afraid to seek support or professional help – separation can be a stressful experience and there are many ways to make the process easier.
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