For the thousands of Americans that elect to pursue a divorce each year, separating from a former-spouse can be an incredibly positive life-changing decision. However, parties must be prepared to live independently once the divorce process is finalized. Financial independence is, arguably, one of the more difficult aspects to master, post-divorce. As such, it is critical that parties start to prepare for financial independence as soon as possible. One of the best places to start is to consult with a seasoned divorce lawyer about the health of your finances, and how the divorce could impact it, moving forward.

Steps to Securing Financial Stability

Once your divorce has been finalized, you need to act quickly to ensure long-term financial security. A quality attorney can help you develop an action plan, and begin working towards financial independence.

Develop a New Budget: After your divorce, it is important to recognize that you are no longer able to count on the income of your former spouse. The development of an independent budget can help you make decisions about what kind of housing options you can afford, what extracurricular activities your children can participate in, and whether or not you need to make various changes to your lifestyle. Budgeting for your new lifestyle can be a laborious task, but it can also save you from an unsustainable financial future.

Taking the step to file for a divorce can be one of the most difficult decisions in your life. Although it can represent a new brighter chapter in your life, the decision to separate can backfire, especially when you proceed without proper legal representation. From securing your marital assets to helping you fight for child custody, a quality family law team can ensure a happy and secure future for you and your family. If you are in the midst of a divorce, picking the right attorney can make all the difference.

Choosing the Right Lawyer

As you begin the divorce process, the most important step you can take is ensuring you choose the "right" attorney. When picking your divorce lawyer it is important to take into account their legal background, the experience of previous clients, your own needs, and your connection with the attorney.

Asking your prospective divorce lawyer about their experience in the field should be one of the first steps you take in your initial meeting. Using client testimonials and inquiring about previous victories can give you insight into how an attorney could impact your divorce. Lastly, only you can decide if you truly trust and believe in an attorney. If you do not have a good feeling about a potential lawyer, they are more than likely not the right fit for you.

When preparing for a divorce, many people do not want to think about the logistical side of the separation process. A divorce represents a monumental change in a couple’s life, as the two parties will likely face a much different living situation, daily routine, and lifestyle. While the divorce process can be emotional and difficult to process, it is also complicated. As you prepare for your divorce, there are a few steps you should take to ensure that you and your family will be financially comfortable, moving forward.

Find a Divorce Attorney You Can Trust: Once you have made the decision to pursue a divorce, it is time to move forward and begin thinking about all the logistics that come with a separation. The best place to start is by hiring a quality divorce attorney. Choosing an attorney quickly can give you time to prepare for potential court hearings and litigation. When looking for a divorce attorney, it is important to ask yourself a few key questions: How much experience does this firm have? Does my personality work with the prospective attorney? Can I trust them?  

Communicate Your Priorities: Once you have answered the questions above and have chosen an attorney, it is time to get to work. The first step that you can take in working with your attorney is to communicate what assets are most important to you as your divorce case moves forward. Do you own a house that has been in your family for generations? Is a sole-custody parenting plan your number one priority? Communication is key in developing the best working relationship with your attorney.

Every year, thousands of Americans walk away from their relationships. A divorce can represent a new opportunity for the entire household: a change in parenting dialogues, less fighting between the parents, and a new chapter for the former spouses. Despite unfactual rhetoric suggesting that divorce can lead to problems for children, prolonged fighting between the parents, and future financial insecurity, sometimes a divorce is the best option for everyone. Still, it can be truly difficult to know when it is time to walk away from a marriage. If you are considering the possibility of a divorce, it may be time to contact a legal professional.

When To Walk Away

Just like every marriage, every divorce is different. Yet, many divorces are brought on by the same combinations of symptoms. Below are a few examples of signs that a divorce may be right for you and your family.

Aggressive Communication: When communication with your spouse begins to lack patience and becomes aggressive (screaming, shouting, using expletives), it may be time to consider the possibility of a divorce. A common mistake people make in deciding to stay in an unhealthy marriage is the utilization of the notion: “Everybody Fights”.

Despite the common misconception that divorces are rising throughout the United States, divorce rates have been declining since reaching a peak rate in the late 1970s, when about 50% of marriages ended in divorce. Today, with the use of advanced technology and increased intel, organizations can track divorce statistics within specific age demographics.

According to studies conducted by the Pew Research Center, divorce rates have risen exponentially among Americans 50 years or older. Since 1990, divorce rates among U.S. adults over the age of 50, have more than doubled. If you believe that divorce is the right choice for you, it may be time to explore your options.

Why The Rise?

With the rise in divorces among Americans over the age of 50, many people are wondering why. There are many reasons why couples elect to separate, and for this specific age demographic there are a number of common reasonings: