Punta Gorda Family Law Blog

When people choose to move forward with the process of ending their marriage, they may feel a sense of shame or embarrassment. While every situation is different, there are a few common reasons that play a role in a significant number of Florida divorces. A reader may feel alone during this process, but understanding frequently cited reasons for divorce can help a person to feel more confident in his or her choice to pursue future happiness and security.

One common reason for divorce is a lack of communication between spouses. When two people are no longer communicating about important things, it leads to a sense of isolation and loneliness. Communication is the foundation for good relationships, and marriage is no exception to this. When two people don't talk, they will quickly grow apart, which is also one of the most commonly cited reasons for divorce.

Divorce requires the division of all assets and property accumulated over the course of the marriage, including long-term savings and retirement accounts. No matter the age of a Florida couple or how much they've been able to save for their golden years, the end of a marriage can be detrimental for retirement. It's especially critical for a person to strive for a fair property division order for both physical assets and financial accounts. 

Since 1990, the rate of divorce for people over the age of 50 has doubled. These couples are closer to retirement age, and dividing retirement savings can be financially devastating, even for wealthy couples. In addition to divorce affecting long-term savings and overall financial health, it can impact a person's physical well-being as well. Studies have found that divorce can actually lead to higher blood pressure and weight gain.

When a Florida couple makes the decision to move forward with divorce, it will eventually lead to financial adjustments that will impact various areas of their lives. This includes retirement savings. Money and assets earned acquired over the course of the marriage is likely considered marital property, which means it is subject to equitable division. A person may want to learn more about what the property division process will entail for one’s specific situation.

Divorce brings new financial challenges to a person's life, even years down the road at the time of retirement. One of the aspects that divorce can affect includes Social Security. In certain circumstances, it may be possible to claim benefits off an ex-spouse's work history, but many people do not know this. It depends on factors such as the length of the marriage, current marital status and the ages of both parties.

When a Florida couple walks down the aisle, it is with the expectation they will live happily ever after. In many cases, however, this couple will divorce at some point in the future, and it is possible that a costly and stressful battle over marital property will ensure. This is one reason why many couples, regardless of income level or age, will find it beneficial to draft prenuptial agreements.

Millennials are a generation that have changed many things about marriage. In this demographic, there are fewer divorces because they wait longer to marry or choose to cohabitate. They also are more likely to keep their finances separate because they think this will make it easier in a divorce. Contrary to what many might think, this is not necessarily true. Regardless of whose name many assets are in, they may still be considered marital property, and thus eligible for division in a divorce.