The Christmas holiday is past and the new year is upon us. With the advent of the new year will also come a bevy of divorce filings in Louisiana and elsewhere as people considering new beginnings may see divorce as an opportunity for a fresh start. Statistics show that as many as one in five couples consider divorce following the holiday season. Divorce and family law have changed considerably in recent years.
While divorce can be contentious and bitter, more couples are looking for ways to keep proceedings civil and reduce the stress, acrimony and cost that can be incurred. The ability to file a no-fault divorce has certainly simplified the process in that neither party has to place blame on the other. The divorce rate is particularly high for those who have been married for a number of years and who may have accumulated significant assets.
While divorce rates have gone down overall, the rate for those over 65 has increased to a rate of 6.6% versus a marriage rate for that age group of 3.3%. This is according to a study done by Bowling Green University. Property and asset distribution in such a scenario can be complex. Assets accumulated over the period of a marriage are generally considered marital property and are subject to division in a divorce settlement, though there are some exceptions.
Divorce may often be less contentious today but it is still a difficult road to navigate in Louisiana. A person who is contemplating divorce in the new year may benefit by seeking the counsel of an experienced family law attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer can advise a client regarding new laws and financial options that may be available.