Family Law Blog

Common Financial Mistakes That Can Lead to Divorce

By Denver Divorce Lawyer on December 29, 2011

According to Money Talks News, a recent study affirms that almost 25 percent of all married couples hide financial affairs from their spouse in the U.S. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) points out that financial stress is a common reason for divorce, as demonstrated by court records. A study from 2009 also supports this claim, stating that money problems are one of the leading predicators of divorce, preceded only by drug abuse and infidelity. In order to avoid a financial situation that could lead to divorce, it is important to be aware of the six common money mistakes couples make:

1. Lack of or Poor Communication

   Money is often treated as the elephant in the room by married couples when it is, in fact, one of the most important topics needing discussion. Talk to your significant other about finances early on in the relationship so that there are no surprises later on.

2. Secrets

   Many married couples hide spending from the other, be it a small or big purchase. For some, it has to do with not feeling like a child who must ask for permission. This can end up creating more problems in the long run. Secrets are secrets, regardless of what is being hidden, and secrets take their toll on a marriage.

3. No Budget

   Keeping track of who spends what can be very difficult without a budget. Making sure both spouses are responsible for adhering to a set budget can ensure that there is always enough money for fixed monthly expenses and that neither spouse overspends.

4. No Will

   Married couples need to be financially prepared for the inevitable. Hashing out the financial details of a will can ensure that both spouses are prepared.

5. Ignoring Differences in Spending Habits

   Just because one spouse likes to shop and the other likes to save does not mean they should not try to find a common middle ground. Leaving each to their own will only exacerbate financial problems in the future.

6. Sharing is not Always Caring

   It may not be practical to share everything, especially early on in a relationship. You may find yourself in a situation that leaves you financially indebted or insecure.

There are various reasons why a couple may decide to divorce; some are preventable, but oftentimes, marital troubles cannot be worked out. If you are considering divorce in Colorado, the dedicated Denver divorce lawyers at Kaplan Law, LLC, can help you understand your legal rights and options so that you can make an informed decision. Contact us today at (303) 458-5500 for a consultation.

October is Conflict Resolution Month in Colorado

By Denver Divorce Lawyer on October 27, 2011

Conflict makes people’s lives more difficult by adding stress and negativity, which then exacerbates the original conflict. Conflict occurs everywhere but it is especially burdensome when it occurs within the home and with a spouse and/or children. There are many reasons why conflict may arise within the home, some trivial and some not. One of the most common points of contention, in the current economic decline, is finances, including spending and debt. Other conflicts may arise over parenting, time management, diet and health, home improvement, lack of communication, or even different goals and aspirations.

Oftentimes, these conflicts can be resolved, making family life much more comfortable, peaceful, and open. October is Conflict Resolution Month, a time to encourage resolutions, as such, various Colorado organizations are holding conferences, workshops, and seminars exploring topics relevant to conflict as well as offering training. The following include a few of the offerings held so far this month and a few lie ahead:

• October 21, 2011 - Montrose
  8:30 a.m., $60 including lunch: ADR Applications for Family Cases – Colorado AFCC’s Fall Conference

• October 24, 2011 – Denver
  6:30 p.m., $149: The Art of Listening – Transforming Relationships through Empathy

• October 24-28, 2011 – Colorado Springs
  $895 + materials fee: 40-Hour Basic Mediation Training

• October 27, 2011 – Denver
  12:00 p.m.: The Five Percent: Finding Solutions to Seemingly Impossible Conflicts

For more information on these and other conflict resolution workshops, trainings, and conferences, please visit: http://conflictresolutionmonth.org/.

When there is conflict between spouses, it creates stress, antagonism, and unhappiness in the marriage. Unfortunately, sometimes the conflicts between and husband and wife go too deep to be resolved and the only solution is to dissolve the marriage. At Kaplan Law, LLC, our experienced divorce attorneys in Colorado understand how difficult and stressful a divorce can be, especially for spouses who have been in conflict for a long time. If you are considering divorce in CO, contact one of our lawyers today at (303) 458-5500 for a consultation. We will answer all of your questions and address all of your concerns.

Financial Infidelity a Major Cause of Divorce

By Denver Divorce Lawyer on May 7, 2010

According to a 2005 Redbook survey discussed in a fredericknewspost.com article, nearly one-third of adults in a committed relationship admitted to being dishonest to their partner about their spending habits. Women are more likely than men to be dishonest about finances. Some common examples of “financial infidelity” include secret purchases, money stashed away without the knowledge of one of the partners, and debt that only one partner knows about.

Although financial problems are a leading cause of divorce throughout the nation, many couples avoid discussions about finances, which can lead to financial infidelity. Financial infidelity can be a sign that the relationship is not open and honest. In addition, many spouses have difficulty turning over control and security, which money represents, to their partners. If two partners have very different opinions on money and how it should be spent, it’s still possible for couples to work together on finances, but they must have very open and honest communication about money.

Once financial infidelity occurs, it’s important to bring it to light immediately so the wronged spouse can forgive. In addition, using a neutral third party, such as a financial advisor or another couple, can help to prevent money secrets from occurring in the future. In addition, working on a future financial plan together can help rebuild the relationship.

Sometimes when financial infidelity occurs, divorce becomes inevitable. In that case, you should retain the services of a highly skilled Colorado divorce attorney. If you are considering filing for divorce in Colorado, contact the knowledgeable Denver family lawyers at Kaplan Law, LLC by calling 877-527-5260. Our team is highly trained and experienced in the area of Colorado divorce law. We can help.

Communication Styles Could Be an Early Indication of Imminent Divorce

By Denver Divorce Lawyer on January 27, 2010

A recent CBS.com article discussed an episode of The Early Show in which a well-known psychotherapist visited the program. The discussion focused on how communication styles and positive-to-negative interactions can contribute towards a divorce. More specifically, a total of five types of marriages were reportedly identified.

A “pursuer/distance marriage” carries with it a high risk of divorce. This type of marriage is characterized by problems being dismissed and not talked about. “Disengaged marriages” involve individuals who don’t need intimacy or lack mutual interests, and these marriage types are also prone to having a high risk of divorce. “Operatic marriages” are characterized by repetitive cycles of fighting and reconciling, also translating to high risk of divorce. “Cohesive individuated marriages” consist of shared responsibilities and marriage being viewed as a refuge, translating to a lower risk of divorce in the long run. Marriages labeled as “traditional” consist of genders roles being interpreted by couples as simply traditional, with instances of divorce in these cases being lowest.

The article goes on to mention that strong marriages have a positive-to-negative interaction ratio of at least 5-to-1, meaning that these couples have at least five positive experiences together for every one negative experience. As this ratio diminishes, it is speculated, the risk of divorce inevitably rises. Other factors mentioned in the news story included length of marriage, the age of marrying couples, and whether or not a child has become a part of the marriage.

Sometimes, filing for divorce in Colorado ultimately proves inevitable. In such cases, retaining the services of an experienced divorce attorney will prove to be your best option in protecting your interests and safe guarding your well-being. Regardless of your situation, the skilled Colorado divorce attorneys at Kaplan Law, LLC are prepared to assist you every step of the way. If you are thinking of filing for divorce and would like helpful information, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at 1-877-527-5260.

Source:http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/08/06/earlyshow/health/health_news/main517731.shtml