Divorce Trends in 2021
While every relationship and divorce is unique, there are some noticeable trends that can help you think about your situation and how the process is likely to go. Some of the most obvious trends are related to custody and the divorce process in general, which can be helpful as you move forward with your own divorce. Remember, no one really knows how the pandemic is going to effect school and the work place after we all where locked up and working and learning from home. Having said that, this is the trends we have seen so far in 2021.
There is no way to make divorce easy, but there are ways to position yourself so that you can navigate the process successfully, with less overall stress. Here are some tips for actions that you can take now so that you are ready when it is time to navigate the process.
If you and your spouse have decided to hire a divorce mediator to help you settle the terms of your divorce, you probably have a good idea on the issues that need to be resolved. For most couples, the major issues are deciding on a plan for parenting time, deciding how to divide your joint property, assets and debts, and determining whether or not you need to factor spousal or child support into your settlement. Divorce mediation is different than litigation in large part because you are in control of the outcomes. Here are some tips to put yourself in the best possible position for successful divorce mediation:
For many couples, it is hard to think about life after divorce. After investing so many years in your marriage, the focus when the decision is made to end the marriage is on the specifics of the divorce. If you do spend time thinking about what your life will be like after your divorce, these thoughts likely do NOT include your former spouse. However, your divorce is just the beginning of a new phase of your relationship, especially if you have children. Post-divorce mediation is a great tool for managing inevitable conflict that comes up after your divorce is final, without having to go back to the courtroom.
We have all probably heard the familiar phrase “nearly ½ of all marriages end in divorce.” The truth is,however, this may no longer be the case. In fact, the divorce rate has been declining in the last several years and is currently hovering around 39-40%. There are many reasons for this trend, and over the last year, the pandemic has likely pushed these numbers down even further. Are couples staying together because they are happier? This is unlikely. Here are some of the reasons why the divorce rate is declining:
The pandemic has had a profound impact on families in our country, our economy, and our workforce. Parents are juggling virtual school for their kids, changes in job status, financial burdens are high, and we have all had to incorporate social distancing and masking into our daily lives. It is interesting to note that even though many of us have been spending much more time at home under this stress, marriage rates and divorce rates are on the decline compared to pre-pandemic data. At a time of unparalleled stress, what might be accounting for these marriage and divorce rates?
