Tucson Family Law Blog

Most married couples in Arizona and elsewhere likely made their vows with every intention of remaining together for the rest of their lives. As many individuals may give little thought to what might happen if things don't turn out as planned, they may also feel somewhat unprepared should talks of divorce arise. As understanding what to expect from and how to prepare for divorce could play an integral role in safeguarding one's future, those facing a divorce may find it beneficial to seek guidance early in the process.

When it comes to preparing for divorce, one of the first steps to take may involve gaining a better understanding of the process. Seeking advice on Arizona state divorce laws could prove vital in various ways, as these laws will likely have a significant influence on the outcome of the situation. One may also benefit from taking time to evaluate the variables that will play a role in the process, such as topics relating to child custody or property division.

There may be few experiences in life that can be as stressful and emotional as going through the end of a marriage. When facing a similar life change, many individuals in Arizona may have concerns about how the process might affect their emotional well-being. As the manner in which a person approaches divorce could have a substantial influence the outcome of the situation, finding ways to achieve peace of mind during a stressful time could prove vital.

According to experts, those who face a similar life event may find it helpful to take the time to carefully consider their situation and all available options before deciding on a path. Ensuring that divorce is the healthiest option for everyone involved prior to initiating the process could help a person achieve a sense of clarity concerning his or her wishes for life ahead. This could also reduce the stress of the situation by helping a person focus on what is important to his or her future instead of current feelings.

In Arizona, divorce and its impact is a concern for many people even before they get married. This will frequently lead to prenuptial agreements. While people of significant means were once the primary users of these documents, couples in a variety of financial situations are now getting prenuptial agreements.

There are common concerns that may warrant a prenuptial agreement. People who have significant wealth might want to think about creating one. Some people are subtly or overtly pressured by family members who have a family business. For those who are planning a business or have one in its infancy, this legal protection could be key. People with a product or idea should protect it even if they are working together. A prenuptial agreement can accomplish this.

Arizona is home to many married couples over the age of 50, some of whom moved to Arizona specifically to enjoy their retirement. Presumably, people do not go into retirement expecting to get a divorce, but one study shows that divorce among couples over 50 in the United States has been on the rise for decades, with the rate doubling from 1990 to 2010.

One therapist says that couples are more likely to get divorced either in the first seven years of marriage or after they have been together for 20 years. The later divorces can be the result of couples growing apart and realizing that they do not want to spend several years in retirement in an unhappy marriage. Though couples of previous generations - when life expectancy was shorter - may have found it easier to stick out a bad marriage once they hit a certain age, that is less often the case now, when couples can expect to spend 20-30 years in retirement.