Be Prepared and Seek the Advice of a Divorce Lawyer Before Separating or Divorcing
The day most people get married is often the most wonderful day of their life. Young girls dream of the day they find their prince charming and walk down the aisle in a beautiful wedding gown. Many men look forward to finding the woman of their dreams and becoming a father. This is what happens in a perfect world, but it is not often reality.
One of the positives that we’ve seen as a result of COVID-19, the divorce rates have gone down. According to Bloomberg, in January 2021, the news outlet reported that the divorce rate in 2020 had gone down; weddings also decreased. This is because many people were financially struggling and couldn’t afford to move forward with their plans to wed or divorce.
With businesses going back to regular operations and the need for workers increasing, it will be interesting to see how this affects the number of divorces in 2021.
Separations and Divorce Rates:
The Census Bureau also released information on a study that was conducted on marriage and divorce rates and trends from 2006 through 2016. Here are some key findings:
- Women that divorced in the previous 12 months were more likely than men to be in poverty. (20% vs. 11%)
- Of all currently married people in 2016, 76% of men and 77% of women were in their first marriage.
- By 2014, over 50% of people that had married between 1970 and 1984 were still married as they reached their 25th wedding anniversary.
- Between 20008 and 2016, the median age for first marriage was 28 for women and 30 for men.
What Happens When You Decide to Separate or Divorce?
When an individual or couple decides to separate, this is usually the first step taken to determine whether they want to try to make the relationship work or divorce. Often, people don’t know what to do at this tough time. Here are some options that may help make this transition easier for everyone involved.
The first step is to be prepared:
- Have a place to go. If there is violence in the relationship, reach out to a safe place, either family, friends, or shelter, that will keep you safe. Those left where there is no violence should plan where they will go once they decide it is time to leave.
- Explain the situation to children. Most children are wise beyond their years and understand when there are difficulties at home. It is best to prepare them a week or two in advance so they can get through the shock of the situation. Their biggest fears are how this change will affect their lives. Will they move? When will they see their other parents? Will they need to change schools? These are the questions that will need to be answered.
- Get legal advice. Before moving out, speak to a divorce lawyer that can provide valuable information on how and when to leave. Those in this situation want to make sure they won’t be accused of abandoning the family or doing anything to affect the custody of minor children.
- Determine visitation, decision-making, and finances. A divorce lawyer plymouth mi can also help couples determine key decisions that will affect their relationship with their children.
- Support system. During separation and divorce, it is important to have an emotional support system in place. This can be one of the most challenging times in an adults’ life, especially when children are involved, so it is wise to have friends and family to lean on for support.
- Get your own divorce lawyer conway ar. Many couples want to share a lawyer during the divorce process. It is not a good idea as a lawyer may favor one side over the other. Each person should have their own divorce lawyer fighting for their best interest.
Everyone’s best interest must be taken into account during the difficult time of experiencing separation and divorce.
