Family Law Blog

UA Study Reveals Higher Likelihood of Early Death for Divorced Adults

By Denver Divorce Lawyer on January 19, 2012

Divorce can have a wide range of effects on an individual. Most effects, such as general depression, loneliness, frustration, financial instability, and even relief, are common. But, according to USA Today, divorce can do much more than just make a person feel depressed; it may lead to an early death.

A recent review of over 30 published studies by the University of Arizona (UA) found that divorced adults experience a higher risk of early death than married adults. In fact, divorced adults are 23 percent more likely to die early, according to data collected by researchers while tracking certain couples for 11 years.

The health risks of divorce were found to be similar to the health risks of other established health issues, such as smoking, alcoholism and being overweight. Divorced men were found to be at a higher risk of early death than divorced women. The study does not conclude that divorce 100 percent leads to early death, just that it is a risk factor that may increase the chances of early death. Most divorced adults actually move on to higher levels of satisfaction and even remarry.

The UA study was published in Perspectives on Psychological Science and analyzed 32 studies which involved 11 countries and 6.5 million adults over the course of 27 years. It does present an important “chicken or the egg” question, however: Does divorce lead to poor health, or does poor health lead to divorce?

The relationship between a husband and wife can be very complicated, and though studies can reveal certain trends, they by no means predict what will happen to every couple. Divorce is often the most important step to finding happiness. At Kaplan Law, LLC, our experienced divorce lawyers in Colorado understand that divorce, though a difficult decision to make, may be necessary for the health and well-being of a couple. If you are considering a divorce in Colorado, contact us today for a consultation of your legal rights and options at (303) 458-5500.

Colorado Senator Pulls Proposed Divorce Bill after Fervent Feedback

By Denver Divorce Lawyer on January 16, 2012

A Republican senator removed his proposed divorce bill, which would have required divorcing parents to attend counseling before going through with the divorce, from the Colorado legislature after receiving extensive and “extraordinary” feedback, according to the Denver Post. The criticism he received made him realize that this is a much bigger issue than he anticipated and it requires much more time and deliberation.

The divorce “cooling-off” bill would have required a divorcing couple with underage children to attend six hours of instruction on the affects of divorce on children, as well as to wait approximately eight months before they could actually proceed with the divorce process. Extenuating circumstances, such as sexual abuse, domestic violence, and other factors would have been exceptions to the proposed rule.

The senator sponsoring the bill is still committed to finding ways to address the problems associated with divorce, but sees now that the proposed bill may not be the way to go. It garnered national attention from counselors, attorneys, and others, who questioned whether government and/or bureaucracy should be involved in a couple’s decision to divorce. Another bill concerning the problems associated with divorce may find its way back into the legislature in future sessions.

Divorce is not an easy decision, especially for a couple with children, but it is sometimes necessary. If you are considering a divorce in Colorado, the experienced divorce lawyers in Denver at Kaplan Law, LLC can help. Call us today for a consultation at (303) 458-5500.

First Divorce Recorded in America Shares Similarities with Modern Day

By Denver Divorce Lawyer on January 9, 2012

The first recorded divorce in American history was on January 5, 1643 and was granted by the Puritan court to Anne Clarke of the Massachusetts Bay Colony on the grounds that her husband, Denis Clarke, abandoned her and their two children to be with another woman, with whom he also had two children. In a signed affidavit, Denis Clark admitted to these allegations, as well as stated his refusal to return to his original wife. The court had no choice but to punish the absent and adulterous Denis Clarke and grant a divorce to Anne Clarke.

The Puritan courts were not known for looking kindly on divorce, but although the system may have been more severe then, this first recorded divorce was not unlike divorces today in terms of why it was granted, or in modern cases, filed. Infidelity and abandonment are not uncommon reasons for divorce today. Other common reasons for filing divorce in modern times include:

• Financial Issues;
• Physical, Psychological, or Emotional Abuse;
• Poor Communication;
• Child Rearing Disputes;
• Conflict Resolution Issues;
• Cultural or Religious Tension;
• Addiction;
• Personality Clashes; or
• Differences in Expectations and Goals.

The reasons why a married couple files for divorce varies; what works or doesn’t work is unique to each marriage. Unfortunately, what doesn’t work often creates irresolvable problems for which divorce is the only answer. If you are considering filing for divorce in Colorado, the experienced divorce attorneys in Denver at Kaplan Law, LLC, can help you understand your legal rights and options so that you may make an informed decision. Contact us today for a consultation at (303) 458-5500.