Many parents and spiritual leaders will tell you that, of all the major decisions one ends up making in life, the right partner is the most important choice of all. The proper spouse will make success in life and parenting far easier, while the wrong match can lead to heartache and despair for more than just the unhappy couple.
Why life insurance could be important in a divorce
One issue North Carolina couples who are divorcing may need to deal with is ensuring that there is sufficient life insurance in place. This may seem like a technicality, particularly for younger people, but an unexpected death can happen at any age, and it can significantly affect agreements regarding property division, alimony and child support.
Deciding between litigation and negotiation in a divorce
North Carolina couples who are getting a divorce may initially hope to reach an agreement on property division and child custody through negotiation. However, in some cases, they may be struggling to agree, or one spouse may simply be uncooperative. The decision of whether to settle or go to court can be a difficult one.
Divorce rate among couples over 50 is increasing, study says
Though the rate of divorce has declined over the past two decades, studies have shown that separations among couples over the age of 50 are on the rise. In the United States, for example, the rate of 'gray divorces" has doubled between 1990 and 2010. Couples are getting divorced at older ages despite the possible difficulty associated with splitting a larger number of assets (which, in North Carolina, must be equitably distributed).
The reasons women file for divorce
The typical scenario that often comes to mind when divorce is mentioned is that of a middle-aged woman being left by her husband for a younger woman. However, in over 70% of cases, it's actually women who file for divorce. Women in North Carolina give many reasons for filing for divorce, but they usually fall into one of a few broad categories.
Tips for older adults who are getting a divorce
Older North Carolina couples may be more likely to get a divorce than younger couples. For people 65 and older, the divorce rate is three times higher than it was in the 1990s. Overall, divorce among older people is on the rise even though it is dropping among younger couples.
Early IRA distributions and what happens in a divorce
Some North Carolina residents may decide to start taking distributions on an IRA before reaching the age of 59 1/2. This normally incurs a 10% penalty, but there are certain circumstances in which it is permitted without the penalty. However, those penalties kick in again and become retroactive if the IRA is modified. If a couple decides to divorce and the IRA owner is getting these distributions, this could be considered a modification.
How some couples benefit from postnuptial agreements
Postnuptial agreements are becoming more popular among North Carolina spouses who want to protect their assets in case of a divorce. This legally binding document is similar to a prenuptial agreement, but the main difference is that it's signed during the marriage.
Reasons why divorce filings go up in January
North Carolina residents may have heard those in legal circles refer to the month of January as "divorce month." This is because divorce filings are higher during the month of January, especially during the first part of the month. Even search engines see more searches for things related to the topic of divorce.
Tips for creating a prenuptial agreement
Some North Carolina couples who are planning to get married might want to consider a prenuptial agreement. A prenup determines how a couple will divide their property in a divorce. Even if a couple is not planning to have one, they should have a conversation about their finances before the marriage. They may want to consult a legal or financial adviser to find out how they would be divided in case of a divorce. It is best if a prenup is created as early as possible. If it is done too close to the wedding, it could be challenged on the grounds that one person was pressured into signing it.
