Ask A California Divorce Attorney: Re-Examining Common Divorce “Truths”
Divorce is one of those things that everyone seems to have an opinion on, and divorce myths have spread like wildfire over the last decade or so. Unfortunately, not everyone is always able to discern fact from fiction when it comes to divorce myths, which is why these falsehoods continue to be perpetrated.
For this post, we decided to examine a few “truths” about divorce in order to highlight how they are not always necessarily true. Remember that if you’re looking for more specific advice that is catered to your circumstances, you can always reach out to us at R & S Law Group, LLP.
Myth 1: Divorce is Expensive and Will Lead You to Financial Ruin
Many people are worried about breaking the old bank account whenever they initiate divorce proceedings. While costly divorce affairs definitely happen, not every divorce carries the same price tag. In addition, there are plenty of ways to minimize costs, and alternative routes such as mediation and the negotiation of settlement terms further drive down expenses. An attorney can help you explore your options at length.
Myth 2: Divorce “Messes Up” Children
Those who are considering a divorce are often and quickly judged by others, especially when children are involved. People routinely claim that divorce will mess up your kids, and that they’ll end up becoming dysfunctional adults. This is outright false. A child’s development is shaped by his/her environment and the amount of support that he/she receives. Children of divorced parents often have normal and happy childhoods, especially when a good parenting plan is in place.
Myth 3: One in Two Couples End Up Getting Divorced in the US
This is a common statistic that people like to spit out, but the way it is presented is fairly misleading. For one, this figure doesn’t take reconciliations or remarriages into account, which are both common enough in California. Not only that, but individuals who get divorced multiple times drive up the average significantly, as each divorce is tallied up as a separate instance. Needless to say, half of all marriages certainly don’t end in divorce.
Myth 4: You Don’t Always Need to Talk to An Attorney
This myth has been dying out over time, but there’s always those who will push for the “cheapest” solution possible. If you’re involved with divorce proceedings in California, the truth is that you can’t afford to proceed without qualified legal assistance. This also applies in cases where the divorce is amicable, or where a splitting couple has agreed to proceed with mediation. Placing yourself at a disadvantage now could prove to be much more costly than the expenses incurred by recruiting skilled legal representation.
At R & S Law Group, we are equipped to handle any type of matter relating to divorce, child custody, and any other issue involving family law. We offer free initial consultations. Call us at your earliest convenience to learn more about how we can help.