Hard economic times may have caused a temporary decrease in the divorce rate, but along with it, an increase in domestic violence. In a recent article, this phenomenon was discussed.
Economic stress, and the general failure of couples to discuss and understand family finances, are two of the prime causes of divorce. When times are tough, it seems that people learn to appreciate the stability of multiple possible sources of income, and the ability to make adjustments to keep the family unit flowing.
Unfortunately, people have a tendency to learn these lessons, but forget them as soon as money becomes available. Are we just building pent up demand to divorce because we aren't solving the core issues - lack of communication, and economic pressures?
A high percentage of potential clients who come to see me are unaware what the economic effects of divorce will bring to them, and often reconsider when they find out their life styles will change. And, it is surprising how many of them do not know what their spouses earn, what they have accumulated in savings and retirement, and how much debt has been emassed during the marriage.
While the divorce rate may be down temporarily, the number of crazies in the system seems to have gone up - people filing motions to set aside old judgments, apparently because they haven't been lucky playing the Lotto.
