Interestingly, January has been unofficially
labeled "Divorce Month." And some scientific research
suggests that
divorce filings spike in January. Researchers at the
University of Washington, Julie Brines and Brian Serafini,
analyzed divorce filings between 2001 and 2015 in Washington
State (where
the Bezoses live) and found that they consistently peaked in
March and August, i.e. right after winter and summer holidays.
The winter spike begins in January.

In a statement, the researchers said that many couples may
wait until after the holidays have passed to announce their
decision, and some may try to work out conflicts during the
holiday season. "People tend to face the holidays with rising
expectations, despite what disappointments they might have had in
years past," Brines said in the statement.

Newman called January "keeping your options open month," since
that's when couples typically come to her to get a better idea of
what a divorce would look like. Many return in February or March
ready to make the change official.