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If you are reading this, you may be contemplating divorce from your spouse or have already come to a mutual decision.
The Global Times reported some districts of Xi'an, China have seen escalating divorce rates after marriage registration offices reopened, after closing due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Could the U.S. follow the trend? This seems likely, considering China is a few weeks ahead of us during this pandemic.
You have probably heard the statistic “50% of marriages end in divorce.”
Some other statistics about divorce in the U.S. include:
- 70% of people married in the 1990s stayed together until their 15th anniversary
- About 65% of people married in the 1970s and 1980s reached their 15th anniversary
- Two-thirds of divorces are initiated by women
- 11% of college-educated people married in the early 2000s divorced by their 7th anniversary, compared to 17% of individuals without college degrees
Beginning the divorce process can be stressful, but it is important to be certain and do your research before you start it.
How the Process Works
Divorce can be traumatic for yourself, your spouse and any children you may have, so understanding the process and being sure you want to go through it is important.
You have to make difficult and life-changing decisions in a short amount of time.
You will be dealing with a lot of paperwork, from filing paperwork to gathering copies of important legal documents.
These include:
- Copy of your marriage certificate
- Any prenuptial or post-nuptial agreements
- Copy of licenses
- Copies of trust documents
- Copies of any wills executed during the marriage
- Any other documents you find important or helpful
If you’ll be moving out of your current residence, it is important to consider, where you would like to receive your mail, so these important documents do not get lost in transit.
You can receive personal mail at a P.O. box at a location near your new place of residency.
Have an idea of what you plan to do after your divorce. Think of things such as: where will you live, how the kids have split time, what support systems can you turn to, and how will you communicate with your spouse during the process.
Try not to think of it as a battle, as good communication and cooperation between both make the divorce smoother.
Talk to an Emotionally-Focused Counselor
It can be helpful to do everything you can to make your divorce process be amicable.
Counselors are not only there to help fix marriages, but they can be useful during a divorce to help you cope and provide tips on how to deal with the emotions you and your ex-spouse may be feeling.
Counseling will give both you and your ex-spouse a safe place to truly express what you are feeling.
It helps you both come to terms with what the future may hold and what the next step is in the process. When this is successful, as a couple you can usually manage a non-destructive divorce.
Contact an Attorney
Find the right attorney for you. Do your research and have the information you’ll need ready.
Be realistic. Know how much the attorney will need to be involved and how much guidance you need.
Stay focused on why you need an attorney. Is it solely for legal advice or is the situation you’re in danger and could be taken to court?
Are you foreseeing this divorce as a friendly or contentious process?
The best way to know your rights and how to file is to let an attorney guide you through the process step by step.
If you're considering divorce, we can answer your questions and help you navigate the legalities and understand the process.
Contact our offices today to learn more or schedule your consultation with our team.