Is Divorce Becoming a Luxury?
Ready to split but cash-strapped, some couples are finding divorce too expensive.
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As a therapist, Belleghem hammers out what’s known as a cohabitation agreement, which is based on what a separation agreement will be when the couple decides to separate. “Good relationships come when there are good deals made. So what couples need to do is to make a deal with each other and nobody can tell them what’s right for them,” she says.
A cohabitation agreement includes an understanding of each partner’s responsibilities for financial issues, a projected date of separation, the value of assets and debts, how much of each asset and debt each partner gets, a plan for living in the same house, custody arrangements, child care expenses and can even include issues about dating.
In Gund’s case, her cohabitation situation is “sort of like being on a roller coaster because some days are better than others.”
Discussion
Divorce is definitely becoming a luxury. My husband and I almost went through a divorce last year. We share a house, two car payments, and three dogs. With no children involved family court wasn't going to be a problem but as the attorney fees started to add up we decided to re-evaluate our situation... we kind of thought maybe it was a sign to try harder; A year later we are still married, considering counseling, but things are a lot better. These tough times has forced us to stay home many nights we would have gone out separately, almost like getting to know each other all over again. Don't get me wrong, things are still not 100 percent, but in times like these the only choice we have is to try to take advantage of every situation, whether it be a good or bad one like divorce.
the price of unhappiness is very unsettling. my parents got divorced when i was 9 years old. By the time they covered attorneys fee's and spousal support and child support, it appeared to be such a waste. a marriage counselor would have been much cheaper. if these couples can live together helpless and separated. there is a chance they can still make their marriage work.
i have a couple friends who would most likely get divorced if it weren't a financial issue. the most they can hope for is a safe, comfortable friendship from their partner. is that enough?
