Moving in together can be a big step for a romantic relationship. Historically, most couples did not live together before marriage, but times have changed.
According to the Pew Research Center, more adults have cohabited than have been married. For some couples, living together can be a step toward marriage. Other couples choose to live together for the convenience or financial benefits it can bring.
When parents divorce, one of their main concerns is often the welfare of their children. If you and your spouse are considering divorce, you may be wondering how this change could affect your children.
Unfortunately, the answer is not straightforward. In some cases, divorce can cause depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, conduct disorders, impulsive behavior, risk-taking behavior and/or poor academic performance. However, the way your children react to divorce could depend on their ages, personalities, support systems and other factors.
If things aren’t working out with your spouse, you may be considering your options for change. Divorce may be the first option to come to mind, but it is not your only option. Depending on your beliefs, situation and goals, a legal separation could also be a reasonable option to consider.
The two options are similar in a variety of ways. The process for getting a divorce or a legal separation both involve allocating parental responsibilities, establishing child support, setting up maintenance for either spouse and dividing property. The main difference between the two options is what you would walk away with at the end.
During any divorce, a family’s assets must be divided. Some assets, like a savings account could be divided fairly easily, but this is not the case for all assets.
A business is an example of an asset that can be complicated to divide. If a business is determined to be a marital asset, it will need to be valued. How a business is valued and what its value is determined to be can both be points of contention. However, when spouses reach an agreement on value, they will still need to make some pretty big decisions regarding the future of the business after their divorce.
If there was distrust during your marriage, there is probably distrust during your divorce. While probably no one wants to experience this negative and often uncertain feeling, it may be there for a good reason.
Sometimes one spouse tries to take advantage of a situation by hiding assets during a marriage or during a divorce. This is illegal and unethical because undisclosed assets can prevent a spouse from receiving their fair share of marital property during divorce.
Making the choice to end your marriage can be a big decision whether you have kids or not. However, as a parent, you understand that your divorce will impact more than just you and your spouse. This is why it can be so difficult to talk to your kids about the upcoming change.
However, it can be important to tell your kids about your divorce sooner rather than later. It may be more difficult for them to cope with divorce-related changes if they do not have adequate time to prepare for them. As you plan this important conversation, there are three considerations to keep in mind.
Divorce can be a stressful time. It can be even more stressful if you are not prepared for the process.
If you and your spouse have decided to end your marriage, one of the best ways you can help yourself out is to begin preparing for your divorce as early as possible. This may help reduce your stress later on, and it may help you achieve more of the outcomes that matter most to you.
The sound of your doorbell in the night startles you. No one comes to your house this time. It is not too late, but it is dark outside. Your instincts tell you not to answer. But your curiosity and concern get the best of you, so you open the door.
A man you would not be able to recognize ever again asks you a simple question. “Are you (your name here)?” When you confirm, he slaps a set of papers in your hand. You have been served with divorce papers. This move was not unexpected, since your spouse moved out four months earlier. However, the way it happened and when it happened leave you with a jolt that will last the rest of your life.
Were you considering divorce or legal separation and now are homebound with your spouse who was driving you crazy already? What can you do so you don't feel so angry and stuck?
Divorce is challenging for every couple because you have to unravel your lives and start a new future centered on your needs.
However, there are unique challenges for couples who divorce later in their lives. It’s critical to what those struggles are, so you can avoid them or effectively solve them.
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