In the coming days, many solicitors across Northern Ireland will devote time and words to social media posts to the notion of what has come to be known as Blue Monday or ‘Divorcing Day’. Over the past number of years the term Blue Monday has been affixed to the idea that this is the most popular day for spouses to make the decision to get divorced.
The origins of the term Blue Monday have different versions, many of which are in conflict, a reflection of the fact that the day itself does not have a definitive date. In the context of contemporary society, the term is widely attributed to psychologist, Cliff Arnall who in 2004 was approached by a travel company, Sky Travel to devise a “scientific formula” to encapsulate the January Blues. The formula devised by Arnall considered January weather conditions, debt level, time since Christmas, time since new year’s resolutions have been broken (we’ve all been there!), low motivational levels, and the feeling of a need to take action. By considering these factors Arnall produced a formula that suggested that the third Monday in January is the most depressing day of the year.
The source of the word however arguably dates back long before Arnall made his pronouncements. Even further back was the concept of “Blauer Montag” – a German phrase which denoted a Monday on which people chose not to work, typically after a celebratory weekend or after excessive indulgence over the course of a weekend.
The contemporary notion of Blue Monday has obviously gained traction and has, as stated also recently come to be synonymous with the idea of a ‘divorcing day’. Leaving aside the fact that no-one is entirely convinced on the actual date of supposed ‘divorcing day’, the suggestion that there is a specific day that spouses choose to get divorced is problematic. To suggest that spouses would simply make a snap decision to get divorced, something that will be so life-changing to them and their families, is in our opinion to completely demean the struggles and tribulations that families often go through when reaching the decision to severe their marriage contract through the issuing of divorce proceedings.
There are a multitude of factors that spouses must consider when deciding to get divorced, which include: how their financial positions will change, where they will live, what quality of life they will have going forward, not to mention the absolutely fundamental matter of arrangements for the children (if there are children of the marriage). This decision can take weeks and months of contemplation, often spouses will attempt trial separations or reconciliations before deciding that getting a divorce is the best option to take. We find it disingenuous to pin this decision to one day of the year or to even suggest that one day of the year has more of a bearing on the decision than others.
At McIlvenny Law, we are fully cognisant of the fact that the decision to get divorced is something extremely monumental in a person’s life and can have significant ramifications for families. We devote as much time and effort to each of our clients as they devote to coming to the often-difficult decision to get divorced. It is vitally important to any person who is contemplating a divorce or separating from their spouse or partner that they receive specialist, accurate and thorough advice to ensure that they are making an informed decision. At McIlvenny Law, we provide this expert level of service and would encourage anyone who is facing these tough decisions to get in touch with our office to discuss these matters.
We prefer to associate Blue Monday with the classic 1983 synth-pop and alternative dance song by New Order.
For expert divorce and family law advice we can be contacted as follows:
By email: team@mcilvennylaw.com
By mobile telephone: 075 9325 8113
By landline: (028) 9091 2761