It is impossible to predict how your divorce can affect your circle of friends but how you manage yourself and the process can reveal the most important friendships. Spouses who have seen a friend complete a divorce are more likely to also separate. This is according to research conducted at the University of Kentucky at Louisville as well as Harvard and Brown Universities. One possible reason is that seeing someone else get divorced reduces the stigma of separation within that social circle.
It is also possible that seeing someone get divorced makes others think about all the negative aspects of their marriages. In some cases, seeing a friend enjoying a new relationship may make it tempting to want what that friend has. However, those who do get divorced may also see their friends shy away from them in the months after their marriages end.
You never know how your divorce can affect your circle of friends and others in your social circle. If distance develops it could be because those friends don’t want their spouses to get any ideas about leaving as well. However, individuals who are currently married can use a friend’s divorce as inspiration to improve their own relationships. Ideally, married couples will spend about 16 hours per week together on average. Furthermore, six of those hours should be spent together outside of the house.
Unfortunately, not all spouses can make a relationship work. Prior to and during the divorce process, it is always a good idea to consult with our experienced family law attorneys. Doing so could make it easier to learn more about how to obtain child custody or maintenance. It may also help an individual understand how property is divided and whether an item is classified as separate or marital property. If an individual has a prenuptial agreement, the attorney may be able to review it to determine if the document is valid.
Planning and strategy are important elements of any divorce. Those who are true friends will draw closer and can provide strong support as you navigate the process of your divorce. We invite you to review the strong recommendations of our clients and the legal industry and contact the experienced Louisville family law attorneys at Dodd & Dodd or call 502-584-1108 to schedule an appointment. We understand the weight of the concerns you carry and the substantial number of questions you need answer to. We understand you’re probably worried about how your divorce can affect your circle of friends and family alike. We will discuss your unique situation and how we can help you to achieve your goals and manage the process along the way.