Most married couples invest assertively in the homes where they live together. They might spend as much as a third of their monthly income on mortgage payments. While 20% down payments are no longer the standard in modern real estate transactions, those who purchased their homes years ago may have saved aggressively to afford a mortgage when they initially purchased a property. People often make sacrifices to become homeowners and naturally want to protect their interest in it the home if they decide to divorce. Misinformation about divorce often leads to people making unnecessary mistakes as ..read more

Married couples usually plan to enjoy their golden years together. When couples decide to divorce, the end of their marriage inevitably means a change to their retirement plans. Spouses frequently need to divide their retirement savings during property division negotiations. They also now face the nerve-wracking prospect of using their savings to cover retirement expenses at two different houses instead of at one shared residence. Some people continue unhappy marriages in part because they worry about what divorce might mean for their golden years. Those who make some adjustments to their reti ..read more

If you’re beginning to think about summer vacation plans, or maybe even just now getting around to spring break travel plans, you may find that you and your ex would like to take your kids to the same place. Maybe it’s a lake house you used to rent every year or a favorite destination where you have traditionally spent part of every summer. If that’s the case, you may begin to wonder if vacationing together as a family might work. In fact, some divorced couples and their kids (and even new spouses and stepkids) sometimes do that – and they’re not all celebrities or royals who can afford to tak ..read more

Grey divorce refers to marital dissolutions that occur after the age of 50, generally involving couples who have been together for many years. These divorce cases present unique challenges and considerations that often differ significantly from those that younger couples face. One of the critical aspects of grey divorce is the complexity of the financial implications, which are often more intricate due to the longer duration of a marriage and more consequential due to the spouses’ nearness to retirement. These challenges require careful consideration to better ensure a stable financial future ..read more

Extracurricular activities ranging from athletics and theater to debate and student government can be an important part of a child’s educational experience. Their extracurricular activities may help them develop friendships or play a role in developing their overall personality. Extracurricular activities can also help college-bound students stand out from their peers when seeking enrollment at competitive schools or applying for financial aid. Children’s extracurricular activities can become a source of conflict and complications when parents divorce. The following are some of the ways that a ..read more

The concept of staying married “for the sake of the children” has always been the subject of debate. Children thrive best on predictability and routine, and there’s no question that divorce is disruptive to a child’s life. If you’re thinking of “toughing it out” in an unhappy marriage for your kids, here’s why you may want to think again. It’s not the divorce, it’s the conflict While the intention behind staying married for the children’s sake usually stems from a deep desire to shield one’s children from the potential drawbacks of a divorce, it’s not rooted in reality. Research consistently s ..read more

People often have an all-or-nothing approach to divorce negotiations. They assume that they must either agree immediately about everything or fight with their spouses in court. However, many couples begin the process without any agreements in place and eventually reach a settlement that allows them to set their own terms. They cooperate when pursuing an uncontested divorce filing instead of fighting with one another in family court. Many couples that eventually agree on issues pertaining to property division, support and child custody initially disagree vehemently about the details of their di ..read more

The answer will vary depending on many circumstances, including your chapter in life. Three common life circumstances that can impact the decision include the following. #1: Young children Those with young children may wish to retain the family home for as long as possible to help keep a consistent “home” atmosphere. Some choose to use the home as a permanent residence for the children, while the parents spend time there only during their designated times with the children. Parents who choose this nesting option or to have the parent with primary custody remain within the family home are wise ..read more

Navigating the waters of co-parenting can often feel like a balancing act. You want what’s best for your child, but past conflicts and emotions can sometimes make these interactions anything but straightforward. Clear and respectful communication is vital in any co-parenting relationship. It aids in decision-making and scheduling and contributes to your child’s stable and loving environment. Strategies for effective communication vary depending on the nature of the relationship you have with your co-parent. The following ideas encourage understanding, respect and keeping the child’s well-being ..read more

If you’re a parent who is considering divorce or who is preparing to begin the process, you’re likely concerned about how this turn of events will affect your child. If your child has always enjoyed school and excelled there, you may be particularly disturbed by studies showing that children’s grades often suffer when their parents break up. As parents, you and your soon-to-be ex can take steps to help ensure that this doesn’t happen to your child. A key step involves setting consistent expectations for your child across both of your households. Consistent expectations across homes Maybe you c ..read more