The Five Biggest Challenges for Men During a Divorce
Divorce is challenging for all those involved. While both men and women are treated the same in the eyes of the law, it remains more difficult for men to obtain primary custody of their children. Men are also much less likely to have a social network to help them through a divorce, while women do typically have this type of support. Whether you are a man facing a divorce or one who has made it through the divorce and now has very little clue on how to proceed with your life, it can be helpful to discuss your situation with an experienced divorce attorney who can help you get through the coming months in the best way possible.
Getting Through the Challenges of Divorce
There are many challenges a divorcing man may face, even more if the couple has children. While there may be couples who can have an amicable divorce with no disagreements, these are usually few and far between. The following are the five most common issues men face in divorce.
Keeping the Most Important Assets
A man who may have been the primary breadwinner, spending years building up retirement, buying a home, making car payments, and taking care of his family, does not want to lose more of those assets than necessary. A handful of states are community property states, which means all marital assets are split 50/50, regardless of any extenuating circumstances.
Most states are equitable distribution states, meaning marital assets are split fairly but not necessarily down the middle. Whatever a spouse brings into the marriage, along with gifts and inheritances given to one spouse, remains that spouse’s property, with a few exceptions.
Social Issues and Mental Health Issues
Many men become accustomed to having a joint social life with their spouse, including mutual friends and family members they spend time with. Following a divorce, those friends and family members may not be available to the male spouse, which can lead to mental health issues like depression. Men are more likely to engage in self-destructive behaviors after a divorce and are more conditioned to hide their emotions.
Staying Close to Your Children
While mothers traditionally have received the bulk of the custody time, with fathers getting only visitation or parenting time, courts are more receptive today to awarding a father primary custody if it is in the best interests of the children. Usually, unless one parent is clearly unfit, the court operates under the belief that a child benefits most from spending regular time with each parent. It can be helpful to seek guidance on how to maintain a close relationship with your children after the divorce. A parenting plan must be compiled that sets forth all issues related to co-parenting.
Finding a Qualified Divorce Attorney Can Be Difficult
Each spouse should have his or her own divorce attorney so they both have a strong legal advocate. Some people will choose a divorce attorney based on a referral from a friend, family member, or co-worker. Others will browse local law firms’ websites and read the biographies of the attorneys. Having an attorney who specializes in family law is usually the best choice, particularly one who has handled similar cases in the past.
Reaching Agreements on Child Support and Spousal Support
In many marriages, one spouse is the primary breadwinner, while the other works outside the house at a lower-paying job, a part-time job, or as a stay-at-home parent. This person could be the mother or the father, but tends to be the spouse with the biggest disadvantage in a divorce because he or she may not have the education or experience to become self-sufficient after the divorce. The spouse with the higher-paying job will likely be responsible for child support and spousal support.
Meet with a Supportive Divorce Lawyer for Father’s Rights
Going through a divorce as a father can be extremely difficult as you struggle to protect your financial interests and maintain a close relationship with your children. Obtaining legal advice from a skilled divorce attorney can ensure you are prepared for whatever obstacles your spouse may present.
