And a Happy New Year
I am convinced that the joy of Christmas has healing powers. Restorative. Transformative. December is the month of brotherly love and shared joy…
Or in some cases, a season of clenched teeth and bitten tongues, perhaps even a slammed door or an overly tipsy in-law. The season of sacrifice and giving inevitably paves the way for a fresh start and the self-reclamation of New Year’s resolutions.
It appears that a staggering number of these resolutions lead to the filing for divorces all across the country. According to an article found at businessjournalism.org, (one of many articles heralding this new season), the chill of January prompts folks to at least consult an attorney regarding divorce. While consultations are on the rise, filings don’t appear to hit their peak until March. I suppose that is because any wise counselor asks the potential client, “are you absolutely certain your marriage is irreconcilable?” With this, many a potential client may ponder his/her possibilities, perhaps even pray for Cupids arrow of Valentines, but after exhausting all efforts, finally files the papers.
No one wants to admit defeat. In fact, this fear of giving up has driven many an unhappy mate to pursue an “undivorce.” An undivorce is the non-committal and often confusing variation on separation that hearkens to the open-marriages of the 1960s-70s. Mom lives in right next door to Dad, Dad still comes over for dinner most nights, family vacations are together, but Mom and Dad secretly see other people and pretend their precious but precocious children are none the wiser. In a predictable and perfect world, this could be an option. For most of us, the messy reality of domestic relationships require a bit more structure.
Even if you and your spouse opt for the undivorce, it would be wise for each of you to consult your own attorneys and reduce your desires to writing in an official separation agreement. And if you decide to go all the way, a property settlement and separation agreement negotiated between yourselves with the guidance of a skilled attorney is the best way to settle matters so that the court need only grant a divorce.
It is always best if issues of custody, visitation, and property are settled with great detail and specificity between you and your spouse, so as to ensure the most amicable and customized arrangement. If a judge is determining custody, visitation, etc, life gets more difficult both financially and emotionally for everyone involved. If you are facing a contested divorce or custody matter in South Carolina, you need a wise and aggressive attorney who can look out for your best interests and help you to understand your options.
We realize things are about to get rocky. We are rolling up our sleeves and ready to answer your call. Prepare yourself for the cold winter of January and make a resolution to give us a call.
To better serve you, The Mace Firm is unique in that our attorneys are licensed to practice in South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and New York and have cases in both Federal and State Courts.
Divorce, No-Fault Divorce, Separation, Legal Separation, Separation Agreement, Child Custody, Paternity, Child Support, Visitation Agreement, Aggressive Attorney, Compassionate Counsel, Criminal Domestic Violence (CDV), Alimony, Equitable Distribution, Uncontested Divorce
