LOUIS, Missouri. Getting divorced with children is hard. Not only will you and your ex have to make decisions about child custody, but you may find yourself living in two households with the same incomes and the same—or more—expenses. Most divorce lawyers tell families that they need to be prepared to downsize after divorce. Many divorcing couples ask themselves if they can afford it. A two-parent household often allows families to save money on rent, childcare, and other expenses.
Some couples who are considering divorce are trying a new concept called “Parenting Marriage,” in which families stay together and the parents work together in a platonic relationship to raise the children. According to the Guardian, some couples are choosing consciously to shift their efforts from focusing on a romantic relationship with their partner to focusing on parenting the children. According to the Guardian, both parties in the marriage make decisions on sleeping arrangements, financial arrangements, and how new romantic partners will be introduced to the family.
However, a “parenting marriage” is clearly not for everyone. If you and your ex don’t get along, if you disagree about how the children should be raised, or if one partner is abusive, it might not be wise to continue to live together, whatever the cost.
Some families may choose to accept a “parenting marriage” while a couple decides whether to move forward with divorce. Psychology Today reports that one woman found solace in a “parenting marriage” while she decided what to do after she learned about her partner’s infidelity. If your relationship has undergone a sudden and dramatic change, you and your partner may need time to plan finances and other aspects of what your divorce may mean. Getting divorced can take time. You may need to learn new skills, save money for a new home or apartment, or may want to take time to work on your marriage to make sure divorce is the best option.
If you and your partner are considering getting divorced, the good news is that there are more options and models than ever for couples to negotiate this challenging time. Every couple’s divorce journey will be different, but it helps to have a qualified divorce lawyer on your side. The Behrens Law Firm, L.L.C. are family lawyers in St. Louis, Missouri who can work with you to help you understand what divorce might mean for your family in terms of child custody, finances, and assets. Some couples simply choose to speak to a divorce lawyer to gain information about what a divorce might mean so that they can plan ahead. Armed with this information, some choose to move forward with divorce, while others may choose to work to repair the relationship, and yet others may consider alternative marriage or co-habitation models. Regardless of the choice you ultimately make, it is wise to speak to a qualified family lawyer so that you understand your legal and financial responsibilities and rights. Visit our firm at https://ffa.963.myftpupload.com/ today to learn more.