Joliet Family Law Blog

While people in Illinois who are over 50 might be more likely to get divorced than younger people or previous generations in their age group, the financial and emotional toll can be high. According to one study conducted by the National Center for Family & Marriage Research at Bowling Green University, wealth for people who get a divorce after age 50 drops about 50%. Older divorced people in one study also reported a higher rate of depression than those whose spouses had died.

For women, the financial effects can be particularly acute. One study found that the standard of living for women went down 45% when they divorced after age 50 while for men it decreased 21%. Furthermore, people did not tend to regain their previous financial status over the ensuing years. For many older people, there is simply not enough time to make up for the financial impact of divorce.

When you got married, you likely had dreams of your relationship lasting the test of time. While dating, your future spouse may have seemed like the perfect person to complement your personality, and you likely felt that you two were a perfect match overall. However, after tying the knot, you may have begun feeling that your relationship was less than perfect.

In fact, you may have begun wondering how you chose to marry your spouse in the first place. At every turn, it may seem as if he or she is trying to pick a fight, and due to the unhappiness you have experienced, you have decided that the time has come to end the marriage. However, you may worry that the process will be conflicting as well.

Gender-equal marriages are becoming more common in Illinois and other states, but this isn't always the norm. In some situations, couples begin married life together in traditional roles that change over time. And this is when there's the potential for issues that may lead to divorce, at least according to a Swedish study.

Researchers found women who started marriages in traditional gender roles where they were either not working or earning significantly less than their husbands were more likely to get divorced if their earnings increased. One possible reason for the study's results is that women sometimes spend the early years of marriage raising children or relocating to support their spouses. Over time, however, some wives reach a point where their income equals or surpasses their husband's earnings.

Divorced parents in Illinois may have to consider several factors when it comes to co-parenting a teenager. Divorce can be especially hard on teens, who are already struggling with the changes that come with growing from a child to an adult. However, there are ways parents can make the transition easier.

Being flexible with scheduling is the first thing a divorced parent can do to help their teen cope. The average teen already has to juggle spending time with his or her friends, education and possibly work. Forcing a teen to adhere to a strict schedule for family time can be an additional source of stress.