Can I afford to get divorced in Pennsylvania?

Divorce is a difficult choice, no question. Perhaps the most difficult personal choice you will ever have to make. It is also expensive, though there are ways to control those costs (See my blog about keeping divorce costs down).

Neither of these truths should prevent you from pursuing divorce if you’ve come to believe that your marriage has no hope of reconciliation. In fact, the longer you delay, the more expensive a divorce might become. If, for instance, you are the primary breadwinner, chances are your salary and benefits will continue to grow in value over time. If you and your spouse share a business, your business may grow in value each year. In either case, delaying divorce might mean a leaner financial future for you.

What about alimony? If you expect to pay alimony, this is the year to act. Under the new tax laws enacted in 2017, 2018 is the last year in which a divorce that is finalized or reaches a signed Settlement Agreement can be crafted with the expectation that the alimony payor can deduct the full amount on his or her taxes.

There is also the emotional price of delaying a divorce. The cost of counseling and the emotional cost of stress and anxiety can lead to physical symptoms requiring medical attention. The more time spent in a fractious marriage might heighten the possibility of domestic abuse. These are all part of the hidden costs of delaying divorce.

Here are a few signs that you can’t afford to delay divorce:

1. You find yourself deeply depressed or physically ailing to the degree that your life, your job, and your family happiness are all suffering. A medical diagnosis can be a wakeup call that it is time to move forward.
2. You have tried reconciling methods, such as marital counseling or stress counseling, and perceive no change for either of you.
3. You and your spouse are generally able to talk constructively about separation and divorce. Mediation or Collaborative Divorce are ideal vehicles for couples who can put aside differences long enough to discuss the legal and financial issues of separation.
4. The issues that divide you – adultery, deeply rooted parenting conflicts, differences in how you handle money or sex – are not going away. You haven’t been able to establish a better way to resolve differences or forgive the past.
5. You are currently employed with good benefits – in the event you need to give your spouse a portion of your retirement account, you still have time to save before you retire.
6. There is no marital home or significant property to divide – all the better, as there is less to argue over.

I can help you sort through the options presented by your unique situation. Call my office at 215-345-5259 to schedule a free first consult.

– Elissa C. Goldberg, Esquire

Law Office of Elissa C. Goldberg
107 North Broad Street, Suite 211
Doylestown, PA 18901