Executive Summary:
For many couples in Nebraska, the decision to get a divorce is never easy, especially right after the holidays. Once the holiday season is over, some feel ready to take the next step toward change. While this can mark a new beginning, it also brings financial challenges that may not be immediately obvious. From holiday spending and taxes to dividing assets, the financial impact of divorce often begins before any paperwork is filed. In this blog, we explain how divorce after the holidays can affect your finances and share steps to help you plan ahead.
Why There Are So Many Divorces After the Holidays
The holiday season is a time to focus on family and maintain a sense of normalcy, especially when children and extended family are involved. Even when a relationship is struggling, people often choose to wait until the new year before making any big decisions.
Once the holidays are over and routines return to normal, the pressure that was building beneath the surface can come back into focus. Financial strain, emotional distance, or long-standing issues may feel harder to ignore. Deciding to file for divorce after the holidays is a big decision and the financial impact of divorce is something you should fully understand as you prepare for the next steps.
The Financial Impact of Divorce After the Holidays
Understanding the financial impact of divorce is important before filing for divorce in either Omaha or Lincoln. Holiday spending, year-end bonuses, and tax timing can all influence what happens during and after the divorce process.
1. Holiday Debt Can Become Marital Debt
Spending typically increases in November and December, because one or both spouses use credit cards for the following:
- Gifts
- Travel
- Hosting family gatherings
- Holiday events
Those balances often follow you into the new year. Even if one spouse handled most of the holiday spending, the debt may still be treated as marital debt and be divided amongst both parties during the divorce. When you file for divorce after the holidays, you may end up sharing responsibility for these expenses, which can increase your overall financial exposure.
This type of post-holiday debt is a common example of the financial impact of divorce and why proactive planning is so important.
2. Your Tax Filing Status Could Be Affected
Your tax filing status depends on whether you were still legally married as of December 31st. If you file for divorce after the holidays, for example in January or February:
- You will still need to file as married for the previous year
- You may need to negotiate how to split a refund or handle a tax bill
- You could lose the ability to file jointly the following year
This is why a well-thought-out approach to divorce and planning for the financial impact should always include a conversation about potential tax implications. Taking the time to speak with a financial advisor or accountant before tax season can also give you a clearer picture of the full financial impact of divorce.
3. Year-End Bonuses and Commissions May Be Considered Marital Income
If one spouse receives a bonus or commission at the end of the year, it may be considered part of the marital estate. Filing for divorce after the holidays in Omaha or Lincoln can impact how that money is treated when calculating the following:
Even if the check is deposited in January, Omaha and Lincoln courts may still consider it during property division if it was earned during the marriage.
How to Start Planning Finances for a Divorce After the Holidays in Nebraska
The financial impact of divorce can be long-lasting. Taking early, strategic steps for a divorce after the holidays can protect your credit, your savings, and your long-term financial health. Here’s where you can start.
Organize Financial Documents
- Collect bank statements, credit card bills, and tax returns
- Identify major holiday purchases or travel expenses
- Document any unusual withdrawals or account activity
Set a Post-Divorce Budget
- Estimate your living expenses if you plan to move out
- Review income and debts to see what is manageable
- Factor in childcare costs, insurance changes, and legal fees
Separate Your Finances Where Appropriate
- Open an individual bank account if you have not already
- Track your own income and expenses
- Avoid making large purchases from shared accounts
Prepare for Tax Changes
- Review how dependents, deductions, and refunds will be handled
- Decide whether to file jointly one last time
- Ask a professional how your divorce might affect next year’s filing
Does Timing Make a Difference When it Comes to Divorce After the Holidays?
Some couples in Omaha or Lincoln choose to wait until January to avoid disrupting holiday traditions. Others may feel more emotionally ready once the new year begins. Whatever the reason, it is important to consider how timing affects the financial impact of divorce.
For example:
- Filing earlier may limit exposure to a spouse’s new spending
- Filing later could give you time to organize your documents and goals
- Waiting until after bonuses or promotions may change how those assets will be divided in the divorce
Every decision comes with certain financial consequences, so having a smart approach to divorce planning finances can be beneficial before you file.
Start the New Year With the Support You Deserve
The weeks following the holidays can bring a flood of emotions and many questions regarding the financial impact of divorce. That’s where Nebraska Legal Group can help. Our experienced Omaha and Lincoln divorce and family law attorneys understand the emotional weight and financial challenges of divorce. We’re here to guide you through the legal process, protect what matters most, and help you make informed decisions about your future.
With the right plan and the right support, you can move forward with greater clarity and peace of mind. Reach out to our team today to schedule your consultation. We’re ready to stand by your side and help you take control of what comes next.
Hannah Sommers
Attorney at Nebraska Legal Group
Hannah C. Sommers is a highly regarded divorce and family law attorney, practicing exclusively in these areas since 2013. A Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and recognized by Super Lawyers since 2017, she is known for handling high-conflict cases, complex asset division, and custody disputes with both litigation skill and collaborative approaches. In addition to her practice, Hannah serves on the Board of Directors for Legal Aid of Nebraska and holds leadership roles within the Nebraska State Bar Association.
Education:Creighton University School of Law
Years of Experience:12+ years of high-level divorce experience