Is Divorce Recession Proof?

I've read lots of articles and stories about how divorce rates are on the decline and the reason for the decline is the poor economy. I've been wary of this theory for quite some time given the fact that I haven't seen much of a decline in my own practice. In some cases, we are busier than ever. The issues that people are arguing over are different, meaning that people are fighting over who has to keep the house rather than who wants the home. However, we haven't seen much a decline in the amount of people who are coming in for consultations. The following article discusses whether or not divorce is recession proof.

http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/1041015.html

Another Bad Effect of Poor Economy

As the economy has yet to show any signs of real recovery, there are numerous after shocks that have been trickling down into the family law arena that were not anticipated. One of the effects is an alleged rise in domestic violence. Recently I read an article about the rise of domestic violence as a result of the stresses that come with bad housing markets, high unemployment rates and the dissipation of assets by virtue of the plunging stock market. While I'm not sure that there is 100%correlation to the bad economy and rising domestic violence cases, I do believe that stress can have an impact on how people deal with difficult situations and children. If you are currently in a situation where domestic violence is threatened, or has occurred, I urge you to seek help. If you live in Orange County, Florida please contact Harbour House at (407) 886-2856.

Bad Economy Keeping Families Together?

You always hear that money and finances is a major reason why couples get a divorce. Well it appears that the current bad economy and the terribly housing market is actually keeping couples together. Divorce is without question expensive, and with filing fees going up around the state, a couple can pay over a $1,000.00 in filing fees and court costs before they ever get to a judge or mediation. The average contested divorce that does not go to trial and settles at mediation can easily cost $10,000.00 in attorneys fees, mediation fees and court costs. With no money to save a home from foreclosure, it is understandable that some couples will stay together because they can't afford the financial cost of a divorce. The question then becomes whether or not the financial decision to stay together is the right emotional decision. The following article discusses the dropping divorce rate in Southern Florida and what impact the current economy has on that statistic:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,381981,00.html