Family law is always evolving. Over the past few decades, the rate of divorce has fluctuated a great deal. After a peak in the 1960s and 1970s, divorces have actually fallen in the 21st Century. When it comes to same-sex marriages, though, there can be some unique issues at play. Families in Ohio should be aware of the financial challenges that can be present in same-sex divorces.
Motivation and spending
Same-sex marriage only became legal throughout the United States in 2015. Many people who have married since then grew up feeling like outsiders. In many cases, they felt a need to hide their sexual orientation. In others, they sometimes tried to solve emotional problems by throwing money at them.
This can lead to problems down the road. Formost people who are ending a marriage, finances can be a major issue. This is no less true for same-sex couples, and the issue is only exacerbated when providing for children is a factor. People in this group may have already undergone additional expenses just to start their family. Spending to become parents can be high. Using a surrogate, for example, involves paying for medical care and perhaps other compensation.
Sometimes, same-sex couples had less family support in early adulthood. That can mean higher than average student loan debt. Consequently, saving for their own children’s education may mean postponing things like vacations and new vehicles. That can be stressful. In some cases, clear communication and shared goals are enough to clear up these differences and set a couple on a better path. When things have passed that point, however, and divorce has become an option, it’s a good idea to contact a lawyer.
An experienced lawyer may be able to help a client achieve a better settlement in a divorce. That could mean retention of a significant asset like a house or relief from some responsibility for debt. The division of property can be instrumental in setting up a client for a financially healthy life after the marriage ends.
