Summer vacation kills marriage
Official figures show divorce filings peak at the end of the summer holiday season.
The Finnish countryside may seem idyllic right now, but divorce is brewing inside many holiday cottages. Helsinki District Court’s records show a 15 percent spike in divorce filings at the end of summer compared to other times of the year.
”Finns can’t stand to be around each other for more than two days, certainly not sober."
”Finns can’t stand to be around each other for more than two days, certainly not sober,” says Liisa Vehmas from Helsinki’s Legal Aid Office. ”People’s lives are so hectic that they don’t have time to reflect until their holidays, which is when they realise they’re not happy.”
Many couples also find themselves ready to part ways in January in a state of post-holiday enlightenment.
No matter the time of year, a divorce is the worst financial risk a person can face, according to private economist Anu Numminen at Nordea bank.
In general, the more children involved, the costlier the divorce. Saying 'I don't' can also prove expensive for those with no prenuptial agreement.
Numminen advises couples to settle their financial matters when things are still looking rosy.
”A mutual bank account is a very good way to clarify finances. It can be drawn on to pay for all common purchases, so that in the event of a divorce you aren't forced to consider who paid for what,” she says.
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