Women Appear Quicker to Pull Trigger to End a Marriage, but Both Spouses Need to Be Prepared When It Happens

Statistics gathered on behalf of the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor show that 85 percent of baby boomers married by 46 years of age, and 30 percent of them took the plunge more than once. Gender differences seemed to play a role in getting married, with women being more likely than men to marry. However, women also took the lead in getting divorced and remarrying.

The role played by gender in divorce was the subject of a new study. Sociologists released data recently to support their conclusion that women are more likely to be the ones recognizing problems in a relationship and initiating divorce proceedings. The researchers found that women were twice as likely as men to want out of a relationship through a divorce.

The gender difference does not appear to play as much of a role when couples in a relationship, but not married, decide to go their separate ways. The data appears to point to equality between the sexes when a couple has not formalized the relationship through marriage.

While the experts speculate, and it is just speculation at this stage, on the role gender plays in the decision to file for a divorce, couples should take steps to prepare and protect themselves for when that day comes. Regardless of your gender, there are some steps you can take in anticipation of a divorce:

• Consult with an Attorney: A consultation with a family law attorney is one of the first things you should do if you are thinking about ending your marriage. The legal advice and guidance of a lawyer could help you to avoid potentially costly mistakes, so it is best to avoid reaching agreements with your spouse about divorce issues until after speaking with an attorney.

• Gather Financial Information: Income tax returns, bank statements, retirement account statements and other financial documents should be copied. Your attorney will be in a better position to advise and represent you if he or she has as much information about your finances as a married couple as you can possibly provide.

• Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements: Although these take place before your marriage or early in the marriage if you have assets you are bringing into the marriage and want them to remain separate property, a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can help. A strategically negotiated and prepared agreement can avoid conflicts in the event of a divorce.

When you need legal advice about divorce or other family law issues, trust Nashville divorce attorney Tiffany Johns of Middle Tennessee Family Law to bring skilled and compassionate advocacy, combined with a businesslike approach to every case. Our innovative and knowledgeable advice and guidance anticipates divorce issues and creates solutions before they become problems. Call us today for a free initial consultation, or you can send us an email through our website.