In a perfect world, married couples would grow old together and live out their days happily. In reality, nearly 50 percent of all marriages in the U.S. end in divorce. The break-up of a marriage is never easy. It’s one of those things in life you think will never happen to you, and until you go through the process, it’s …
Why Baby Boomers Divorce: What the Research Says
Overall, the American divorce rate is declining – except for older adults. According to the National Center for Family & Marriage Research, between 1990 and 2014, the divorce rate among adults over age 50 doubled, while the rate among adults over 65 tripled. Another curiosity is that among younger Americans, those with college degrees are significantly less likely to divorce …
Alimony Tax Laws Change December 31st, 2018
Bergen County divorce lawyer Paul Goldhamer, Esq. is a founding partner at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer & Graifman. In addition to practicing matrimonial and estate law, Mr. Goldhamer maintains a full schedule of teaching, speaking engagements, and media appearances. Mr. Goldhamer was selected in 2014 as a “Super Lawyer” by Superlawyers.com. From Paul Goldhamer: When it comes to alimony, the new tax law …
Do You Have to Pay Child Support If You Are Separated?
The breakdown of a marriage is, understandably, an emotional process. Often, spouses going through this breakdown will formalize it with a divorce. But in some cases – such as when the spouses prefer to take their time deciding how to end their marriage, or there are financial or other benefits for remaining married, some spouses decide to separate. Even though …
Who is More Likely to File for Divorce – Men or Women?
American marriages have evolved in many ways over the years – economic structures changed as women joined the workforce, the rate of divorce has risen, and the demographics of those getting married has changed. But one thing has remained consistent – women are much more likely than men to file for divorce. According to studies from 2000 and 2016, women …
Coping with Divorce: 5 Strategies That Work
Divorce is a significant life event that has the potential to turn your world upside down. Daily routines are upset and stress levels can skyrocket during this unsettling time. Some partners may find it challenging to stay focused or productive as they struggle with the emotional aspects of this adjustment. The end of a marriage can trigger all kinds of …
Can You Change a Divorce Agreement?
As all divorcees well know, life does not always go as planned. People grow, relationships evolve, children are born, jobs are changed, and unexpected detours happen. When a divorce is made legal, both spouses will agree – in writing – on the terms of the settlement. This may be done through mediation, litigation or arbitration. Depending on the couple, this …
How To Tell Children You’re Getting Divorced
How do you break the news to your children that it’s over between daddy and mommy? There’s no easy way to inform your kids that you and your spouse are getting a divorce. Even if the announcement isn’t a total surprise, every child is different in how they process – and respond—to this life-altering news. No matter how you frame …
Divorce vs. Legal Separation: What Are the Financial Differences?
If you are headed for a breakup of your marriage, you may be deciding between divorce and legal separation. While there are complex issues involved in any dissolution of an emotional bond, you should not avoid considering the financial differences between divorce and legal separation. What Is Legal Separation? It’s important to understand the ramifications of legal separation before discussing …
3 Surprising Marriage and Divorce Trends
In everyday conversation, probably one of the most often-cited relationship statistics is that half of all marriages end in divorce. Not only is this statistic outdated, it falls far short of capturing the current picture of marriage in the United States. Changing demographics and cultural norms are both causing a shift in the way people approach marriage. Here are some …