Filing for a divorce is a significant life decision that should not be taken lightly. It is often a complex matter that requires patience and careful planning. Although it can be highly stressful, you can take comfort in knowing that a divorce is not uncommon and has many benefits.
About half of all marriages in the United States end in a divorce. Although admitting that your marriage is not working can be challenging and painful, people do decide to get a divorce because they believe there are more advantages than disadvantages.
Financial Benefits
When considering divorce, most assume their financial situation will be negatively affected. Concerns like splitting assets, who will own what, how child support will be paid, and how much alimony is decided are just some of the many financial decisions that need to be made. While there are certainly negatives, there are some positives as well:
- If you are under 59 years old, divorce allows you to withdraw or transfer funds from a 401(k), an IRA, or another type of personal account penalty-free. You can do this instead of receiving the standard 10 percent penalty for early withdrawal.
- Divorce helps your child apply for financial aid when going to college, as many loans are based on the custodial parent, not both.
- A spouse requiring long-term care could qualify for Medicaid because the ailing spouse would have limited assets.
- You regain total control of your finances, which you may use to reset your priorities. Most marriages end because of disputes over money, and getting a divorce provides the spouses financial freedom again.
Happiness and Relief
Divorce is about leaving behind the past. After, it may be easier to discover that true happiness comes from within, and you develop a strength you could not find in marriage. You can also develop skills you never knew you had, take on different responsibilities, and try new things you suddenly become passionate about. Leaving a volatile situation will also relieve you and allow you to build your self-esteem and start again.
Health Benefits
Many studies show that a bad marriage can worsen your health, raising stress levels and causing constant conflict. This can lead to an unhealthy. Divorce also relaxes you, eases your stress, and could potentially motivate you to get back into shape when you start dating again.
Our Baltimore Divorce Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Help Spouses File for Divorce
If you are considering a divorce, speak with our Baltimore lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC. Call 443-589-0150 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Hunt Valley and Towson, Maryland, we serve clients in Baltimore, Baltimore County, Bel Air, Bentley Springs, Columbia, Freeland, Hereford, Hampton, Westminster, Essex, Monkton, Sparks Glencoe, Parkton, Phoenix, Pikesville, White Hall, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County.
