If you are going through a divorce or considering filing for one, you may be navigating unfamiliar territory. Feelings of overwhelm and uncertainty are to be expected. Although it may not make it any easier in the moment, know divorce is common. There is nothing to be ashamed of, and you can get through it. The compassionate, knowledgeable, and skilled family law attorneys at the Law Offices of Schwartz & Godbey are here to help. It is possible to get through a divorce and begin a new phase of life.
How Common Is Divorce in the U.S.?
In the United States, approximately 50 percent of all marriages end in divorce. The U.S. has the 6th highest divorce rate in the world. One divorce happens in America about every 42 seconds. In the state of California and, specifically, Riverside County, the average divorce rate is 60 percent. By gender, the divorce rate for men in Riverside County is 8.6 percent and 11.3 percent for women.
Though each divorce is unique, there are common factors found in many. Some of these factors include:
- Income: Lower-income levels tend to add stress to everyday life. That stress can affect a marriage. The financial strain can lead to increased arguments. Interpersonal disputes about how to handle finances are one of the most common correlating factors found in divorced couples.
- Education levels: When one person exceeds their partner in education or profession, it can lead to frustration and sometimes affects the marriage.
- Age: When couples marry at a young age, it can increase the likelihood of divorce. The median age of couples experiencing their first divorce is 30 years old. Issues like addiction, poor communication skills, and infidelity are common issues in younger couples who divorce.
- Cohabitation: Studies suggest a couple who cohabitates before being married or engaged increases their risk for divorce. However, studies show cohabitating after engagement can decrease a couple’s risk of divorce.
- Divorced or unmarried parents: In lieu of a primary example of a healthy marriage, individuals whose parents never married or divorced tend to have a higher risk of divorce
- Prior Marriages: Studies suggest individuals who remarry after a first marriage that ends in divorce are more likely to divorce. Nearly 60 percent of second marriages and 73 percent of all third marriages end in divorce.
- Religious differences: Individuals who don’t share common views on religion also increase the risk of ongoing disputes and marital tensions.
Divorce may bring along other complicated legal, logistical, emotional, and financial factors. Though no one plans to get a divorce, many aspects of life can change how couples perceive each other and their future.
When To Consider Getting A Divorce in Temecula, CA
The decision to file for a divorce is unique and personal. The most commonly reported reasons why couples choose to end their marriage are a lack of commitment, arguing too much, and infidelity. Lack of commitment is the number one most commonly reported reason. In a recent national survey, 73% of people cited lack of commitment as the reason for their divorce. Often, marriages that lack commitment also lead to infidelity and, in general, an inability to work on issues early. Everyone deserves to feel loved and important. If you are feeling a lack of commitment or experienced infidelity and too much arguing, it may be worth considering divorce.
When It’s Not Safe to Stay Married
Two other common reasons you may consider divorce include domestic violence and substance abuse. In some cases, a marriage may no longer be safe physically, mentally, or emotionally. If this is the case, your safety is crucial. Though it may be difficult to come to terms with domestic abuse, consulting a professional is recommended. California family law permits victims of domestic abuse the right to a protective or restraining order. By law, domestic violence includes physical harm as well as any act that threatens a person’s safety, for example:
- Sexual abuse
- Verbal abuse
- Stalking
- Harassment
- Destruction of personal property
- Impersonation, with intent to intimidate or harm
Child Custody & Visitation
Divorce can have lasting impacts, particularly when children are involved. Some impacts of a divorce can be positive. If a marriage negatively impacts a child’s sense of well being by being exposed to ongoing conflict from the parents, divorce may be positive in the long run. When parents divorce, child custody and visitation arrangements must be made.
The court system of California prioritizes children’s overall well being when it comes to custody and visitation. Unless the child’s safety is at risk, California assumes both parents equally share the responsibility of their children. California does not favor one parent over another based on gender. In this process, you will arrange a parenting plan or child custody agreement, create a visitation schedule, and determine whether you will seek sole or joint legal and physical custody.
Types of Custody
Joint physical custody grants both parents to legally share time with their children in physical presence. Joint physical custody can be shared in many variations most suitable to the child’s best interest and abilities of the parents. Parents can equally split time spent with the child 50/50 or create another appropriate schedule. Sole physical custody means one parent has full physical custody of the child. Sole custody is also known as a child’s primary residence or primary physical custody.
Joint legal custody gives both parents the legal right to make decisions related to their child’s health, education, and general welfare. However, sole custody means one parent is legally authorized to make such decisions without the consent of the other parent.
Contact an Experienced Family Law Attorney in Temecula, CA
Knowing whether to file for a divorce is a deeply personal decision. Although divorce is common, it’s never easy. Having the support and expertise of a trusted attorney can make all the difference as you seek a new beginning. The Law Offices of Schwartz & Godbey can answer questions, address concerns, and offer expert legal advice. Our family law attorneys can help you successfully navigate the divorce process.
Contact the Law Offices of Schwartz & Godbey to schedule your meeting and receive guidance on your specific legal needs today.
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