Divorce Checklist - Financial implications

After considering the implications of divorce 
                on children, the financial implications of divorce is 
                one of the most important things to consider during any separation. 
                For this reason it is recommended that an experienced 
                family divorce 
                lawyer is used to minimize the inevitable financial losses. But, it is important to emphasis that divorce must 
                only be considered if marriage 
                counseling has failed to achieve reconciliation and legal separation is the only viable option.

The divorce law varies according to residency of the couple and as such it is important to use a relevantly experienced divorce lawyer. The financial implications of divorce in the United States and the United Kingdom are outlined below.

The financial implications of divorce in the United States

The divorce law in US varies from state to state. Therefore the financial implications of divorce also vary accordingly. The following is an example of the variances that exists between different states:

The State of California divorce laws: Marriage Counseling Divorce US -1
The State of New York divorce laws: Marriage Counseling Divorce US -2
The state of Washington divorce laws: Marriage Counseling Divorce US -3

The financial implications of divorce in the United Kingdom

When divorce is being considered it is important to fully appreciate the financial implications of the legal separation.

Despite most people's beliefs, there is no 50:50 law or rules regarding the division of assets in UK. The 50:50 rule normally only applies when the couple are young, not been married for long and both have a potential to earn a reasonable income. In general however, the court will assess each case individually.
There is no "law" regarding how much money one spouse should pay the other. The court will take into account the welfare of the children if applicable.
The court will take into account the income (or the potential for earnings) of both partners.
If one partner is moving out to live with another then this is also taken into account by the family court when considering how the finances are to be split. The new partner's income will also be taken into account when ruling on any financial obligations.
The court will consider any mental or physical disabilities, especially when applicable to children.
Both partners are considered equally responsible for contributing to the upbringing of the children, even if one partner has had to stay at home or give up work to do so.
Except for cases of extreme violence or abuse, the court will not consider the partner's past behavior when ruling on financial matters, even if adultery has been committed.
The partners' pensions are also considered as an asset.

The Family Court of Law can impose the financial obligations of a partner by:

The court has the power to sign the property over to one partner, usually the mother.
The court has the power to enforce regular monthly payments by one partner to the other. This will normally be done in arrears.
A one lump sum payment.
Should the Family Court of Law feel the divorce is likely to be enduring, then the court has the power to enforce the payment of Maintenance by one partner to another prior to divorce having been granted.
To re-direct part, or in extreme cases all, of the pension when available.

Marriage counseling information designed to help guide couples in choosing a suitable therapist. There are currently a number of different approaches to therapy and as such it is important for a couple to choose the approach that they feel is the suitable.

This Divorce Checklist will provide couples with a list of the more important things to consider. However, it is important to point out that divorce should only be considered as a last resort, and only when all other avenues of reconciliation have been explored and been unable to help.

Understand the effects of divorce on children and what they may be feeling. Also, what the parents should be doing to help the children cope with the divorce.

PEYMA's Relationship Questionnaire is desinged to provide Relationship Counseling without a need to attend any counseling sessions. This approach is able to provide an insight into the root cause of a behavioural conflict, as well as, how to behave in order to be more compatible.

Signs of Infidelity can help expose a relationship betrayal before it gets too involved, therefore improving the chances of recovery. Identifying these signs correctly is vital as any misjudgement can in itself lead to marital disputes and feelings of mistrust.

Recovering from infidelity is not going to be easy, but an experienced therapist can help with overcoming this affliction. It is important to recognise that a person will never forget what has taken place, but it is possible to rebuild the trust and move on.