MELVILLE, NEW YORK —Russell I. Marnell, a New York-based divorce lawyer and Principal of the Marnell Law Group, says January is the most popular month when it comes to filing for a divorce. He says many couples wait for the holidays to end to dissolve the marriage.
According to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the number of filings during the month of January is 33% higher than other months; some divorce and matrimonial law attorneys have even referred to January as “Divorce Month.”
“Over the last few weeks, we have dealt with a number of cases concerning visitation rights as families made plans for the holidays, and since New Year’s Day and in the weeks to come, we expect an increase in calls from prospective clients who want to learn more about what is involved in a divorce,” Mr. Marnell says.
Mr. Marnell attributes the rise in filings in the new year to the increased stress between couples during the holidays. “We often have this Norman Rockwell concept of families smiling, laughing and eating together,” he says. “At this time of the year, our expectations sometimes end in disappointment. A couple that is struggling to maintain a marriage may often be prompted to consider divorce as part of one or both of the parents’ self-evaluation that comes with the new year.”
One partner may want a divorce, but the other may not, Mr. Marnell. He suggests that the couple sit down and make a list of the benefits and downsides of getting a divorce. “I urge all couples who are thinking about getting a divorce to meet a marriage counselor or therapist to determine if any marital problems can be resolved,” Mr. Marnell says. “If all options have been exhausted and the marriage cannot be saved, then each partner should seek their own divorce attorney.”
Mr. Marnell concentrates his practice in divorce, matrimonial and other family law matters. As an attorney, he has brought more than 500 cases to trial. He is also a frequent lecturer and contributing writer and has been interviewed by numerous media outlets. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and a member of the Matrimonial Committees of the Nassau and Suffolk County Bar Associations and the New York Family Law American Inns of Court. He has been named to the list of Metro New York Super Lawyers since 2014 in the practice area of Family Law. He is also AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell — the highest rating an attorney can achieve.
For more information, call (516) 542-9000 or visit https://nyfamilydivorcelawyer.com.
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About Marnell Law Group, P.C.
Located in Melville, New York, Marnell Law Group, P.C. concentrates its practice in divorce and other family law matters, including complex custody, equitable distribution, child support and maintenance issues. The firm was founded by Russell I. Marnell in 1985 to provide its New York metro area clients with excellent representation and service. As an attorney, Mr. Marnell has brought more than 500 cases to trial. He is also a frequent lecturer and contributing writer; his articles have appeared in Nassau Lawyer, Suffolk Lawyer and the New York Law Journal, among others. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and a member of the Matrimonial Committees of the Nassau and Suffolk County Bar Associations and the New York Family Law American Inns of Court. He has been named to the list of Metro New York Super Lawyers since 2014 in the practice area of Family Law. He is also AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell — the highest rating an attorney can achieve. For more information, call (516) 542-9000 or visit www.marnelllaw.com.
