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January is known as national divorce month, according to experts

Dr. Stacy Ikard is a marriage counselor and the owner of Cornerstone Counseling Center, LLC in Huntsville.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Experts are saying that January is known as national divorce month because a record number of couples file papers to terminate their marriage.

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According to the CDC, In 2019 Alabama saw a dip in divorce rates, 3.6 percent, compared to just a few years ago in 2015 when the rate was 3.9 percent. 

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There are many reasons why people wait until January to file. According to Cornerstone Counseling owner Dr. Stacy Ikard, some people get a divorce at the beginning of the year because of tax reasons. If a couple is married for a least a day in the new year, they can still legally file their taxes together. She says this eases the financial burden of the divorce. 

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Dr. Ikard also says New Years Resolutions could play a role too. Sometimes the Holidays can be difficult, and families realize they're stronger separated than they are together. 

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Before you reach the point of filing a divorce, there are steps you can take. Prior to getting married, seek premarital counseling and talk to a professional about things like finances, parenting styles and underlying health conditions. 

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