A Tough Economy Makes Divorce Even Tougher
By: Gerald Maggio, Esq.
In today’s weak economy, divorcing couples and their attorneys are finding that economic issues are more contentious than ever. In a recent survey by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), 85% of respondents reported complications in divorce proceedings due to housing debt in the past three years.
Now more than ever, money is the big issue in divorce litigation. The foreclosure crisis and high unemployment rate mean that every dollar counts for all families, especially those that are splitting up.
Another complication is the need to relocate due to economic circumstances, which can greatly complicate child custody matters. The AAML survey found that 53% of respondents reported an increase in relocation requests in child custody cases. Traditionally, such requests are made when one divorcing spouse is seeking employment elsewhere, or to relocate closer to another partner. However, moving away is not a simple option for a custodial parent under current California law, and will likely cause further litigation over the issue of child custody.
The current economic crisis has also pushed divorcing couples to seek alternatives to expensive divorce litigation. More couples are now trying to reach an agreement through divorce mediation,. Hiring a divorce mediation attorney can save both spouses a lot of money compared to the expense of the divorce litigation process. In today’s economy, everyone is much more aware of financial issues, and the lower cost of divorce mediation can be a money-saving alternative for divorcing couples.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact California Divorce Mediators at (949)553-0911 or at www.cadivorcemediators.com.
To learn more about the divorce process in California and how mediation can help, please visit our page, “What is Divorce Mediation.”
Gerald A. Maggio is a trained Orange County divorce mediator who has amicably resolved cases many cases out of court, as well as an experienced divorce and family law attorney. Mr. Maggio founded California Divorce Mediators in 2012 with the belief that although “not every marriage can be saved, every family can” and a mission to save families from the financial and emotional distress associated with traditional divorce litigation. California Divorce Mediators is located in Irvine, California, and serves the Orange County area and other counties in California offering divorce mediation, child custody mediation and mediation of other family law matters.
