Divorce can be a painful and extremely stressful experience. Fortunately, you don't have to go through it alone and we’re here to share some tips and trends that can help make the process easier.
Trends in ‘23.
· Divorce is on the rise. In the U.S., divorce rates have risen over the past decade and show no signs of slowing down.
· Divorce rates vary by state and demographics. Some states have higher than average divorce rates, while others have lower ones. Likewise, some demographics are more likely to end their marriages than others (for example, men typically get divorced more often than women).
· Religious affiliation can affect your likelihood of getting a divorce. Different religions have different perceptions of divorce: Some religions accept divorce as a fact of life, while others only believe it is right under certain circumstances like adultery. Also, some religions allow remarriage after divorce, and others believe it is inherently wrong. It’s complicated and something to think about.
Tip #1 - Make sure you have the right legal team.
The first step in your divorce process is choosing the right legal team. You want a lawyer with experience with divorce cases and who knows the laws in your state, but most importantly, you want them to be interested in helping you. A good lawyer will listen to what you say and offer advice based on her/his knowledge of the law and past experiences with similar cases.
Tip #2 - Your needs are essential, as well as your spouse's needs.
One of the most important things to remember is that your needs and your spouses are essential. This may seem obvious, but it can be easy to forget in a divorce situation when there is so much emotional turmoil surrounding you and your spouse. It's essential to ensure both parties understand each other's needs and goals for the divorce process so that they can feel safe about moving forward with their lives after the divorce is finalized.
Tip #3 - There are many different things you need to know before getting divorced.
Divorce is a legal process that can be complex and time-consuming. It is essential to know what you're entitled to and whether it's worth fighting for. You need to know the rules and regulations for your state, which vary nationwide. For example, some states have "no-fault divorces," meaning no one needs to prove why they want out of their marriage; others require one spouse (usually the husband) to prove that another party (usually his wife) has done something wrong such as adultery or abuse before granting him/her permission.
Net net, divorce is a complex process and certainly not a cake walk, but it can be easier to know what to expect and have the right support once you educate yourself. If you're going through a divorce, ensure you have all the resources available to help you and if you’re not sure you do, ask people who’ve been through it and people who you trust.
Of course, you can also read our new, updated DD book/audiobook, Divorcee Dish TWO for important tips, support, true stories and a lot that’s guaranteed to tickle your funny bone when you need it most!
Take care,
Erin