Divorce is a legally enforceable way to separate a married couple. During the divorce process, parties may work out a settlement agreement to handle issues like child custody, support and property distribution. If a case is contested, a judge will hear the parties’ arguments and make a decision about the issues.
In some countries divorce rates are rising, but others are flattening or falling. This pattern appears to be partly due to the fact that marriage is now taking longer in younger couples than it used to, and also to the rise of affluent nations.
Having been married for decades, I can vouch that divorce is not always the end of the world. In some cases, the journey through divorce can be an opportunity for a couple to begin remaking their life together in a new and creatively good way.
First and foremost, the prevailing view that divorce is bad for kids has to be challenged. I’ve argued that divorce can be beneficial to children in a handful of circumstances, but it cannot be an essential requisite for family happiness. It is not only the removal of conflict in a marriage that results in positive outcomes for children, but also the exploration and commitment to fix what’s broken in the marriage.
When a couple gets divorced, the courts must divide all of their marital property and debts. This is often called “equity distribution.” In many cases, courts award one spouse more than the other. This is a practice that has historically been quite unfair to women because it ignores the value of the non-wage earning spouse, such as a homemaker or child-raiser.
However, this issue has been addressed in recent years by legislatures who have passed legislation that equalizes the distribution of property between spouses. These statutes are not perfect, but they are far more equitable than in the past.
The next thing to know about divorce is that it is a very emotional journey and not just a legal process. It is best to keep these two aspects of divorce separate when possible, although it can be helpful for both spouses to get counseling during the divorce.
There are some things to consider before filing for a divorce, including whether or not you have any minor children and what type of divorce you want. Then, you can start the divorce process by filling out court forms and completing some legal documents. You can also talk with the Family Law Facilitator or Self-Help Center at your local court to learn more about the divorce process.
Once you’ve decided to file for a divorce, you’ll need to fill out more forms than if you were filing for a legal separation. You can find the forms on this website or at your local court clerk’s office. You’ll need to fill out a Petition and Summons for your divorce, plus any other forms that you have to fill out regarding your children.
For more information about the fees, check out this website or contact your court clerk’s office. In addition, you’ll need to hire a divorce lawyer in Miami if you have significant property or debts to divide or if you want a contested divorce.