Divorce is an unfortunately common event for many married couples. When two people commit to sharing their lives, it can be heartbreaking when things don’t work out. Relationships can become strained for various reasons, and if left unresolved, this can lead to couples ultimately deciding to end their marriage.
As statistics show, approximately 40% to 50% of all marriages end in divorce in the United States alone—a figure that has only increased over time, given changing social norms across generations regarding marriage. Over a million divorces occur annually in the U.S., with just under 3 million children experiencing parental separation each year due to these divorces. Additionally, research has found that men’s and women’s odds of getting divorced increase after averaging five negative interactions for every positive one—a ratio known as the “doom loop.” Financial hardship may also play a role in this statistic; according to one report from 2018 by TD Ameritrade report, nearly half (43%) of Americans said the money was the top reason they had considered getting divorced before or during marriage counseling sessions.
No matter how loving any two people may seem on the outside, there is no guarantee that their love will last forever. Even those who have been together for years are not immune from marital turmoil or separation down the line if problems are not addressed head-on and with care by both parties involved. However, these areas might give divorcing couples the most headaches.
Wealth and Asset Division
Divorcing couples may find that dividing their wealth and assets is one of the divorce process’ most challenging and contentious parts. This comes down to partners having different feelings about what each partner deserves in terms of a financial settlement, making it hard for them to reach an agreement. Additionally, many couples have amassed a variety of complicated investments and properties over time, making asset division more complex than just splitting up the money they hold together in joint bank accounts or shared credit cards.
To work through this challenge, couples can enlist professional financial advisors to help divide their wealth and assets equitably during their divorce proceedings. They can also consult with divorce lawyers specializing in asset division issues to ensure that both partners are adequately represented during an agreement on how property will be divided between them. Additionally, many family courts offer free resources like mediation services that can help divorcing couples come together to discuss how they want their assets divided before taking legal action. With some patience and perseverance alongside proper guidance from experts, divorcing spouses should eventually come out with equitable settlements when handling matters related to dividing wealth and assets after marriage dissolution.
Spousal Support
Another big challenge that comes with divorce is spousal support. Spousal support (also known as alimony) refers to a financial payment from one partner to another following the decision to end a marriage or civil union. The court determines the amount and duration of these payments, considering factors like each spouse’s income, earning capacity, age, health status, contributions during the marriage, and other considerations when making its determination. Determining spousal support can be tricky for couples because there are no set standards for how much should be paid—it varies significantly from case to case.
In some cases, divorcing couples may opt for an agreement on spousal support before going to court to save time and money. A family law attorney should draw up this agreement. The lawyer will explain the tax implications of any spousal support payments the court may order. It is also important to note that, depending on the laws and regulations in each state, marital support arrangements can be modified after they have been established if one or both partners’ financial situations have changed since the initial agreement was made.
Child Support
Divorcing couples often encounter difficulties when it comes time to decide how to handle child support payments. In most states, a non-custodial parent must provide financial assistance for their children. However, this amount varies from case to case based on factors like total income and the number of children involved. Non-custodial parents must pay their fair share of expenses related to raising their children, including educational costs, health insurance premiums, and other costs associated with providing a good quality of life for their kids.
Courts may order non-custodial parents to pay child support through monthly payments or as a lump sum upfront. Alternatively, divorcing couples can agree on an amount outside of court with the help of a family law attorney. Again, it is essential to consider any tax implications that come with these agreements, so both parties are adequately prepared for them. Also, if either parent’s financial situation changes after the initial deal was made, they may be able to modify the current arrangement.
Final Thoughts
Divorce can be complicated, especially when dividing wealth, assets, and spousal/child support. For this reason, consulting with experts—such as financial advisors, divorce lawyers, and family law attorneys—is essential for divorcing couples who want to ensure they get the most equitable settlements possible while mitigating any potential disputes or misunderstandings down the line. With proper guidance from these professionals, couples should have an easier time navigating the various challenges of ending their marriage.
