December 2018 - Fort Mill Family Law Attorneys

Divorce can be a costly process. Most couples will expect this to be due to things like legal fees and might make plans on how to keep costs down. However, there are some hidden divorce costs which can sneak up on you. To help make sure your divorce doesn’t break the bank, here are a few expenses to be aware of…

Hidden Divorce Costs: What To Watch For

New tax payments

When married, you can file your income taxes as married filling jointly. This lets you generally pay the least amount of taxes. However, you’ll have to go back to filing as a single person again once you’re divorced. This means you’ll end up paying more taxes than you might be used to.

This is one of those hidden divorce costs which you might not consider until tax season is fast approaching. The new tax bill might also lead to more tax costs than you’d expect. Speaking to a tax specialist can help you figure out what exactly your new costs might be.

Real Estate Costs

If you have to sell your house after your divorce, you can encounter some hidden divorce costs in the way of realtor fees and closing costs. You’ll also have to consider any repair costs to the house as well. Furthermore, if you’re selling in a bad market, you could end up with getting less for your house than you originally thought.

You may run into unexpected costs even if you keep the house. If you have to buy out your spouse’s interest in the house, you’ll have to get appraisals on it’s worth. Also, you’ll have to consider refinancing your loan if both you and your spouse were on the loan beforehand.

Health Insurance

Most married couples will share one insurance policy due to it’s lower costs. Of course, when you’re divorced, this’ll end. Most insurers will not continue to cover you through your spouse’s policy once you’re divorced. This means you’ll have to plan on getting your own policy once the divorce is over.

Employment Searching

Getting back into the workforce can bring its own set of hidden divorce costs. You may need updated certifications or education to match the new workplace standards. While this can lead to higher paying jobs down the line, it’ll still cost money now.

You’ll also have to consider updating your wardrobe to prepare for interviews or workplace dress codes. Plus, you’ll have to consider travel costs to get to and from work. This may mean setting aside money for public transport, gas, or even a new car if necessary.

Divorce costs can creep up when you least expect them. Being aware of the more hidden ones can help make sure your finances stay in order during this potentially stressful time.

When couples think of relationship counseling, their minds might go into panic mode. For some, counseling is a sign that their relationship is doomed to fail. Others might see it as a waste of time that doesn’t work. However, being proactive about fixing your relationship is the key to making it work.

Relationship Counseling: When Is It Time?

Avoiding the “point of no return”

Most couples like to think that they can handle their issues on their own. After all, it’s their relationship; they don’t need “outsiders” to get involved, right? However, what this means is that couples will try to fix things alone until they can’t anymore. In effect, they cross the point of no return without even realizing it.

To avoid crossing this point, it’ll require some humility and willingness to put pride aside. So what if someone else helps you with your relationship? What’s important is that you’re taking steps to fix things. In the end, willing to accept you need help is a much smaller price to pay than potentially losing your entire relationship.

Being proactive

In life, you’re generally encouraged to be proactive about the essentials. You go to the doctor for check-ups, you go to the mechanic for tune-ups, etc. So why not be proactive about your relationship? Instead of letting things build up, why not take the same kind of proactive approach here as well?

Of course, that doesn’t mean you need to go to relationship counseling for every disagreement. There’s a fine line between “normal” arguments versus unhealthy ones. Ultimately, it’ll take some self-reflection through your own sense of happiness and beliefs to know when that threshold has been passed. If things escalate too far, however, then you might want to reevaluate your relationship as a whole.

What really is counseling?

On paper, relationship counseling is a way for you and your partner to address your issues together. You both can figure out what is the root of your problems and get strategies for how to fix them. You’ll learn what each of you need and how to best fulfill those needs.

However, it’s also a call to action. It’s a way for you and your partner to learn and grow in a way that will also help your relationship. It’s not an admission of failure, but rather a way to say “we are worth it”. Relationship counseling is a small investment to make to preserve your relationship, and is worth putting aside one’s pride for.