The pandemic has impacted every marriage in one way or another. While living, working and raising children under one roof may have prompted some families to grow closer, it pushed others further apart. The specifics of each relationship are unique, but researchers found that couples who have been married for a shorter period are among the most likely to call it quits. This likely leads to some unique factors.
Support will be minimal
Those leaving a relatively new marriage will likely get less spousal support (traditionally known as alimony). Substantial support generally involves longer marriages where one spouse worked at home or was under-employed, which allowed them to focus on raising a family and running a home. The freshly married are often still dual-income couples who come to the marriage with a job. If they stopped working, the shorter gap makes it easier for them to find work again if they no longer worked outside the home.
Less property to divide
Unless there is a prenuptial agreement, property divided during the divorce generally involves assets accrued during the marriage. Shorter marriages mean fewer joint assets to divide. However, expenses like mortgages or car payments may involve commingled assets if the couple opted to share the bills even when one spouse brought them into the marriage.
Children remain a shared burden
Shorter marriages can still involve children. Even though their kids tend to be younger, shorter marriages can still involve a detailed parenting plan with both involved. If the child is very young, a mother may still be at home taking care of the baby, or both are working, and they depend upon childcare. It can be a substantial financial burden that they must share.
There will be unique issues
Every marriage is different, and there will likely be some critical issues with no easy answers. Couples can use solutions in other areas to start a constructive conversation or identify areas with a larger divide. Often, it makes sense to consult with a family law attorney to help ensure that the divorce is fair and equitable.
