MANAGING DIVORCE EXPECTATIONS IN OUR NEW NORM

Closeness can make the heart grow fonder, but it can also make the heart break. This is what many of us have experienced during this nearly a year of forced togetherness. Some have been blessed with relationship “resets.” Others, have found the togetherness highlighted and exacerbated issues. This is likely why divorce rates are increasing. So, the question becomes for soon-to-be separated spouses, what should one expect?

TIMING AND FINANCIAL FEASIBILITY

If one’s relationship is not explosive or soul crushing, immediacy is likely not an issue. This allows for couples to really think about where they are now and where they want to be after a divorce. The economic outlook has not looked well for a long time, and many spouses are currently unemployed, facing the prospect of unemployment or have just scene a severe reduction of income and asset value. For some, this may mean that divorcing now does not make sense. This could be because they do not want to sell a home in a devalued real estate market, sell deflated stocks, one or both spouses in unemployed, etc.

DELAYS, DELAYS, DELAYS

Most courts shut down at some point last year, some for months. This meant that all the cases that were already filed were put on hold and the cases that would have filed during that shutdown period had to wait until the court opened back up. This caused a one-two punch to many divorce court dockets, causing divorce timelines to balloon. This also meant that those industry professionals utilized for many divorces, like attorneys, CPAs, financial experts, etc. are being pulled in multiple directions.

LACK OF PRIVACY MAKES MATTERS WORSE

And, to make matters worse, the parties cannot be in the same room together to work issues out. For example, it is hard to have private, attorney-client conversations with the other spouse in the house. And, even if they are not in the house, getting a moment alone is extremely hard if one has kids or lives in a multi-generational household.

So, what does this all mean for Mobile, Alabama, residents? Call a lawyer. The divorce process was always complicated, but it has never been more complicated than now, and one needs an advocate on their side to navigate the system.